Pain, tingling, numbness, weakness and restriction of muscle movement while working on a computer may be early signs of a computer-related injury.

Individuals who spend more than five hours a day on a computer are at a greater risk of developing computer-related injuries such as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

MSDs are injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage or spinal discs. MSDs are not typically the result of any instantaneous or acute event (e.g., slip, trip or fall), but reflect a more gradual, chronic development.

Other MSDs include:

• Repetitive strain injuries
• Cumulative trauma disorders
• Overuse injuries
• Repetitive motion disorders

Medical terms you may have heard to describe MSDs in various parts of the body include lower back pain, tendinitis, bursitis and carpal tunnel syndrome.

MSD RISK FACTORS

Risk hazards consist of numerous elements such as conditions of a job process, workstation, or work method.

Some of the risk factors that can contribute to an MSD include:

• Repetitive and/or prolonged activities
• Forceful exertions
• Prolonged static postures
• Vibration
• Awkward postures, including reaching above the shoulders or behind the back
• Twisting wrists and other joints

ONLINE TRAINING

Georgian’s Health and Safety Committee is offering a 30-minute online session which outlines how to prevent injuries using critical ergonomic principles.

Topics include:

• Proper set-up of computer workstations
• Correct body mechanics while sitting at your workstation
• How to identify risk factors to prevent MSDs

Contact Connie Heasman, Health and Safety Co-ordinator, at cheasman@georgianc.on.ca to register for the session.

Once you’ve registered, you’ll receive instructions on how to log-in.