Issue 5 | 16 Dec. 2006

From Limca Book record holder

Tips to prevent RSI for computer users

More than 75% of computer users including children are suffering from MSD (Muscular Skeletal-Disorders) because of  their WRONG postures.

Computer related injuries are becoming a cause for concern. Software jobs have pumped in not only money, but a lot of muscular-skeletal disorders. Eyes, neck and back are the casualties of incorrect use of computers. Continuous stretch of work unpunctuated by occasional breaks, wrong sitting postures and furniture which is not designed ergonomically... all contribute to the stress-induced health problems for those spending so many hours with computer.

The victims are not only the highly paid techies but also others such as typists, accounts and media professionals who fall prey to the Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

According to an estimate, more than 75% of computer users including children are suffering from MSD (Muscular Skeletal-Disorders) because of their WRONG postures.

Jayanagar-based H.M. Arun Kumar, a Limca Book Record holder, is well known for devising techniques to work safer, smarter and faster, on the computer. By following some simple tips you can prevent falling a victim to RSI, he said such as:

• Do not bang hard on the keyboards
• Do not place all computer accessories on the work desk. Items like keyboard and mouse should be placed on the drawer.
• Cultivate touch typing system and do not look often at the keyboard while typing. When a computer user who does not know touch typing method types say, 100 characters per minute, he has to move his eyeball at least 200 times and puts more strain on the eye, and is also prone to pain in the neck and back. Often, many people wrongly blame the monitor for their pain.
• Keep a cushion pad for resting the wrist.
• Do not work non-stop and take a 20-second break every 20 minutes.
• Use of a revolving chair causes severe backache. Shift to an ordinary chair which has a stiff back.
• Wearing a wrist watch while typing also adds strain on the wrist.
• Keep a com forta ble distance of 40 cm from the monitor.
• While typing the hands should not be in a tight or straight position. The hand should be bent in L shape, which makes the fingers to move faster.
• Children should not be allowed to use a computer if he/she is not good in typing.

Arun Kumar has developed a unique model of furniture that is safer for computer users. Corporates and individuals may drop in to his office for a free demo/free safety guidelines program at Supersonic, No.546, 32nd Cross, 9th Main, 4th Block, Jayanagar, Bangalore-11. Ph 22445995, 9880661589 email supersonicarun@yahoo.com.