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3 Working in Comfort
12 English
Improper and prolonged use of keyboards and input devices are among those
tasks that have been associated with repetitive strain injury (RSI) to soft
tissues in the hands and arms. If you experience discomfort or pain while
using any computing equipment, discontinue use immediately and consult
your physician as soon as possible. In addition to the information on RSI given
in this chapter, you may also consult the online version of Working in
Comfort preloaded on the hard disk of the your HP computing equipment, or
visit HP’s Working in Comfort web site at:
www.hp.com/ergo.
About Repetitive Strain
Injury
Because your comfort and safety are our primary concern, we strongly
recommend that you use HP computing equipment in accordance with
established ergonomic principles and recommendations. Scientific literature
suggests that there may be a relationship between injury to soft tissues—
especially in the hands and arms—and prolonged improper use of keyboards
or other equipment requiring repeated motions of the hands and forearms.
This literature also suggests that there are many other risk factors that may
increase the chance of such injury, commonly called Repetitive Strain Injury.
What is RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI—also known as cumulative trauma disorder or
repetitive motion injury) is a type of injury where soft tissues in the body, such
as muscles, nerves, or tendons, become irritated or inflamed. RSI has been a
reported problem for those who perform repetitive tasks such as assembly line
work, meatpacking, sewing, playing musical instruments, and computer work.
RSI also has been observed in those who frequently engage in activities such
as carpentry, knitting, housework, gardening, tennis, windsurfing and lifting
children.
What causes RSI?
The specific causes of RSI have not been established. Nevertheless, the
incidence of RSI has been associated with a variety of risk factors, including:
• Too many uninterrupted repetitions of an activity or motion.
• Performing an activity in an awkward or unnatural posture.
• Maintaining static posture for prolonged periods.
• Failing to take frequent short breaks.
• Other environmental and psychosocial factors.
In addition, there have been reports associating the occurrence of RSI with
the use of computer keyboards, mice, and other input devices. Also, certain
medical conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis, obesity and diabetes, may
predispose some people to this type of injury.
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