Reviews the impact of repetitive stress injuries in the workplace, the nature of those injuries, and what teachers can do to help prevent the development of such injuries by teaching proper keyboarding techniques. (Author/JOW)

Presents a series of exercises to help prevent carpal tunnel syndrome, a painful hand disorder caused by stressful and repetitive motions. (SM)

Responses from 157 of 193 business teachers who teach keyboarding indicated that 78.7% were aware of cumulative trauma disorder and 22% had experienced it. Only 13% of classrooms were equipped with wrist rests. About 53% teach techniques to reduce incidence, but 20% did not know whether they taught preventive measures. (SK)

Reports results of a survey of large public libraries on incidents of muscular-skeletal injuries associated with use of computer keyboards in libraries. Personnel policies and practices that can minimize injuries are outlined. Sidebars describe the importance of adjustable workstations, steps that employees can take to minimize injuries, and…

A survey of 260 secondary and 251 postsecondary business teachers (51% response) found that more secondary teachers thought computer training should begin at the elementary level; they were more likely to teach about computer use hazards. More postsecondary teachers reported observing students not using proper ergonomic techniques. (SK)

Provides recommendations prepared by the Library of Congress for prevention of repetitive strain injuries in VDT (video display terminal) operators. Chair design, keyboard height and distance, screen placement and viewing specifications, and ergonomic pauses are discussed. (five references) (EA)

Musculo-skeleton injuries, which include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic neck and back pain, and other Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI), are the leading causes of disability in working-age people in North America. This paper highlights studies indicating that computer users are especially susceptible to these injuries; therefore, the…

Discusses online resources on ergonomics for librarians seeking to improve working environments or planning for staff and public work areas. A sidebar lists electronic addresses for 10 online sites for information including: World Wide Web sites, the Library of Congress gopher, archives on avoiding typing injuries, and electronic mailing lists.…

Current library automation practices and new technologies have forced library managers to seek some means of reducing carpal tunnel syndrome, and a case study of Texas A&M's library provides insights. Highlights include identifying and assessing the injuries, adjusting work surfaces, testing and selecting new keyboards, and developing…

A survey of office workers employed by North Carolina telephone companies was conducted to determine the extent and types of health problems experienced by office workers who use video display terminals (VDTs). Data were gathered by questionnaires mailed to 2,478 office workers, with 966 responses. Questions concerning a wide range of health…