Ergonomics - No Top Photos
User's Guide
IntroductionIn the past several years, there has been an increased awareness of physical problems associated with working on video display terminals. These problems have been called "cumulative trauma" or "overuse" disorders. Simply stated, cumulative trauma refers to any condition that results from repeated stress or injury to a part of your body. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, low back and neck pain are all examples of problems resulting from cumulative stress. Typically, when such a condition develops, it is difficult to treat and often leads to lost work time or reduced work capacity.
Hobbies and recreational activities may also lead to or contribute to the development of one of these conditions. Therefore, it is important that you understand 1) what causes cumulative trauma; 2) what parts of the body are most affected and 3) how you can decrease your risk of injury.
The purpose of this manual is to help you understand the body structures at risk for a cumulative trauma disorder and to suggest ways to decrease your risk of having one of these problems. You may have already attended one of the University's orientation sessions on this topic. This manual is designed to supplement this orientation session in written form.
Links at the left will take you to various sections of this guide. We welcome your comments and suggestions for making the Guide more useful.
Betsy DeBrakeleer, Chair
VDT and Ergonomics Committee
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