Nov 21, 2001 11:45 AM
Dear School Secretary:
The Board of Education’s increasing reliance on technology and computerization has resulted in school secretaries spending many more hours at the keyboard. And many are running into health problems, ranging from headaches, eye strain or blurred vision to pain in the neck, back, shoulder, hand or leg.
After receiving numerous complaints from the members of our School Secretaries Chapter, the union distributed a questionnaire about computer-related health problems at the professional development conference in the fall of 1996. The responses from 201 school secretaries confirmed the severity of the problem. More than 80 percent reported pain in the shoulder, neck, back or thigh. Forty-five percent reported numbness, tingling or burning in the hands or fingers. Seventy percent had vision problems or eye strain and 54 percent had frequent headaches.
We at the United Federation of Teachers are concerned about how this increasing computer work may affect your health, so we’ve produced this booklet to give you practical advice about how to safeguard your health while on the job.
In addition, based on the survey results, we’ve taken the following actions:
Our goal is to ensure that the board provides you with equipment that has been designed to help prevent computer-related injuries.
I hope that you find this booklet of use and, as always, please reach out to the School Secretaries Chapter if you run into problems.
Sincerely,
Randi Weingarten
President
Recognizing and Preventing Computer-Related Health Problems
Q: Please tell me about computer-related health problems.
A: Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) to the upper body have occurred in epidemic proportions among computer users. These RSIs involve damage to muscles, tendons and nerves. They can cause pain, weakness, numbness or impairment of motor control. The parts of the body most frequently affected are the hands, wrists, fingers, arms, shoulders and neck.
The Congressional Office of Technology Assessment has ranked computer-related repetitive strain injury as the single biggest cause of occupational illness today.
Q: I’ve heard the term "cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)." Is that the same thing as "repetitive strain injury?"
A: Yes. Both names emphasize the fact that these injuries develop gradually, unlike a muscle strain or sprain that follows a single incident. Other names for RSI include "repetitive motion disorder (RMD)" and "occupational overuse syndrome."
Q: I keep hearing about computer operators who have "carpal tunnel syndrome." What is that?
A: It is a type of repetitive strain injury. Carpal tunnel syndrome occurs when the tendons in the wrist become inflamed and put pressure on the median nerve, which runs through a passageway made of bone and ligament that is called the carpal tunnel (from the Greek karpos, or wrist). The median nerve controls the muscles in the area as well as the nine tendons that allow your fingers to flex. Carpal tunnel syndrome causes numbness or tingling in the hand and fingers, particularly at night. The pain and potential loss of muscle control can be incapacitating.
Q: Are there other types of RSI injuries?
A: Although carpal tunnel syndrome gets the most publicity, there are many other forms of RSI. These include various forms of tendinitis (which can affect the fingers, wrist, shoulders, elbows and forearms), DeQuervain’s disease (irritation of the tendons on the side of the wrist and base of the thumb), cervical radiculopathy (compression in the cervical discs in the neck), and disorders of the radial, medial or ulnar nerves. Unfortunately, many doctors have not been trained to identify the wide range of repetitive strain injuries.
Q: What are the symptoms of repetitive strain injury?
A: Symptoms may include tingling, aching, swelling, stiffness, weakness and loss of sensation or motor control. Many people first experience RSI symptoms away from the job and don’t realize that they are work-related. Sometimes the symptoms are not experienced in the body part where the stress actually is occurring, making it difficult to identify the cause of the injury. For example, a computer user may experience hand pain, but the source of the problem may be repeated stress to the shoulder.
Q: Can lower back and leg pain also be associated with computer use?
A: Yes. Sitting in a chair with inadequate back support, or failing to use the back support provided, can strain the lower back.
A chair that is too high or too low or presses into the back of your thighs can cause pain in your legs and feet. Leg discomfort also appears to be related to sitting for long periods of time without movement.
Q: How serious is repetitive strain injury?
A: RSIs are difficult to treat and may result in perma nent disabilities. Some people injured by computer work find that they can no longer handle their jobs or the tasks of daily living — such as opening jars, folding laundry or lifting small children — without intense pain.
If an RSI problem is caught early and treated appropriately, recovery usually is possible. But permanent damage sometimes can occur within a few weeks after symptoms appear. If you have RSI symptoms, it’s important to take action as quickly as possible.
Q: What should I do if I have symptoms of RSI?
A: Seek medical attention from a physician familiar with repetitive strain injuries and take steps to change your working conditions. This booklet provides information about how to do both of these things.
Q: What is it about computer work that causes repetitive strain injuries?
A: RSIs are associated with the following risk factors:
Q: Why didn’t secretaries develop repetitive strain injuries in the days before computers?
A: Some office workers did experience writer’s cramp and other RSI-type problems in the pre-computer era, but the number of people affected has increased dramatically. The lighter touch required on a computer keyboard, as compared with a traditional typewriter, makes it possible to type faster, and thus increases the repetitive motion of the fingers. With a typewriter, office workers had natural work breaks when they paused to hit the carriage return, change the paper or make corrections, but computer operators often type without interruption. And typewriters, particularly manual typewriters, had much larger springs beneath the keys to cushion the impact of fingers. Also, gripping the mouse or trackball stresses muscles in unaccustomed ways.
Q: What can be done to prevent repetitive strain injuries?
A: Prevention requires a multi-pronged approach that includes all of the following:
Some experts in the field believe that appropriate exercises to strengthen and stretch muscles, encourage good posture and relieve stress also can help prevent computer-related injuries.
Q: Why are rest breaks so important?
A: Our bodies are designed to recover from reasonable stresses and strains — if we allow tendons and muscles a chance to rest periodically.
Even with the best workstation and computer equipment in the world, you risk injury if you type throughout the day without taking breaks away from your computer. If your work station is less than ideal and forces you into uncomfortable positions, rest breaks are even more important.
Q: How much rest do I need?
A: Recommendations vary. For many years the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) has recommended at least 15 minutes of rest after two hours of continuous computer work and 10 minutes after every hour of intensive work.
But, based on more recent research, many leaders in the field now recommend more frequent breaks. For example, Dr. Emil Pascarelli, founder of the Miller Institute for Performing Artists (which treats RSI injuries), recommends a five or 10 minute break every half hour. Dr. Pascarelli is co-author with Deborah Quilter of an excellent guide for computer users which is cited frequently in this pamphlet and listed in the resource section.
Some researchers have found that frequent micro-breaks (one minute or less) several times an hour are more beneficial than longer, less frequent breaks.
Q: It sounds as if everyone agrees that breaks are important, but they don’t agree about their frequency and length. What should I do?
A: You might try combining frequent micro-breaks — in which you pause long enough to remove your hands from the keyboard, stretch your body, and adjust your chair — with periodic longer breaks in which you leave the computer to perform other essential office tasks.
Q: I’m worried that my principal will think I’m goofing off when I’m taking a break.
A: Let’s be clear: When we say take a break, it’s a break from keyboarding, not necessarily from working. You may need to reorganize your work day to ensure that you are able to complete all of your responsibilities on time while also allowing for adequate breaks from computer work. The key is to alternate computer work with other important tasks.
Q: You said good posture is essential. Please describe the appropriate posture for computer work.
A: Good posture includes the proper positioning of various parts of your body:
Lower body: Sit erect with your feet flat on the floor (or on a footrest) in a chair that supports your lower back. Your thighs should be parallel to the floor and your knees bent at approximately right angles. There should not be pressure behind your knee.
Shoulders: Your shoulders should be relaxed, not slumped down or hunched up or bent forward.
Head: Don’t tilt your head back or jut your chin out; your ears, shoulders and hips should line up with one another.
Neck: This is a common source of problems: Don’t crane your neck to the side to hold a telephone or twist your head to read a document.
Arms: When you type, your arms should be relaxed. Hold them low enough to feel comfortable; never let them slant upward. Your wrists should be straight rather than bent up or down or to the sides.
Q: I try to work with good posture but I get tired.
A: Good posture does not mean holding the "ideal" position rigidly for hours on end. Any position maintained without breaks or stretches can cause injury. Move your body frequently and readjust your chair as needed.
Having furniture which can support your body in an appropriate but relaxed position is essential. If your office can’t afford to purchase ergonomically designed, adjustable chairs and desks (see next question), follow the suggestions included below for inexpensive or homemade remedies that will make it easier for you to work without straining your body.
Q: What does "ergonomically" mean?
A: Ergonomics is the science of adjusting the work environment (including tasks, equipment and schedule) to fit the human body. Ergonomic equipment should enable the user to work in a manner that does not injure the body.
Just because a manufacturer states that its office furniture is ergonomic, however, doesn’t mean it will fit your body. Whenever possible, order equipment and furniture that is adjustable and try it out before purchase to determine if it is appropriate for you.
Also, remember that no furniture can prevent injury if you work without breaks and persistently place your body in awkward positions.
Q: Tell me about appropriate chairs for computer work.
A: The ideal chair allows you to adjust the height and position or tilt of both the back rest and the seat so you can maximize your comfort and shift positions throughout the day. An easily adjustable chair also enables people of different heights to comfortably share the same workstation.
The back support should extend at least to the middle of your back to provide support for leaning back. The seat should extend forward past the middle of your thighs. Some experts recommend buying a chair with padded, adjustable armrests, but other experts warn that the rests should never be used while actively typing. Critics of armrests maintain that injuries can occur when typing motion is confined to the hands and fingers instead of involving the whole arm. It may be better to rest your arms by placing your hands in your lap.
If you are ordering a new chair, look at Have a Seat! A Consumer’s Guide to Buying an Office Chair, published by the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health, the September 1996 Consumer Reports also evaluated ergonomic chairs (although models may have changed, the basic information is still valid). To try out chairs before ordering, visit office furniture stores or office supply stores.
Q: Our school can’t afford to purchase new, adjustable chairs right now. What can we do?
A: If your feet don’t touch the floor, use a footrest.
Several phone books or a sturdy box can work just as well as a commercial footrest.
If your chair doesn’t adequately support your lower back, a rolled-up towel positioned just above the belt line can help. An inexpensive lumbar pillow may be even better. You may be surprised how much easier it is to maintain good posture with appropriate lumbar support.
Q: What about desks?
A: Standard office desks are too high for computer work. The best work surface is one that can be adjusted for height and includes a separately adjustable arm or tray for the keyboard. There should be adequate room under the table for your legs and sufficient space on the work surface for any necessary supplies.
If your desk is too high and you can’t replace it, use your school’s office supply funds to purchase an adjustable keyboard tray that can be attached below the desk. Adjust it so you don’t have to bend your wrists up to reach the keys. (Keyboards and trays are discussed below.) Alternatively, you can raise your chair and use a footrest if your feet don’t touch the floor.
Q: What about placement of the computer screen?
A: You should sit at least 18 inches from the monitor (20-30 inches may be preferable for your eyes) with the screen directly in front of you, not off to one side.
To prevent neck and back strain, the height of the monitor should be adjusted so the top of the screen is just below eye level. You should not have to tilt you head up to read the screen.
If the monitor is too low, you can raise it with some books. An adjustable monitor stand or arm works even better, allowing you to move the monitor up or down and tilt it to find the most comfortable viewing angle.
Q: But my computer monitor is bolted to my desk in the far right-hand corner. I have to turn my head to the side to see it.
A: Unfortunately, the board routinely bolts down computer monitors for security and puts them in this inappropriate location so that secretaries have open space directly in front of where they sit. The union has convinced the board to install monitors where the secretaries want them. The best solutions are either on a desk return that’s at the proper height or on a freestanding workstation. (A return is a fixed extension at a right angle to the desk that provides an extra work surface and usually is lower than the desk top.) If those options are not possible, you can request that the board unlock the monitor and bolt it again it in a new location, such as the center of your desk.
Q: But if I bolt the computer to the center of my desk, I won’t have any place to work.
A: Right. The union recognizes that many secretaries work in cramped quarters and have few options about where to place office equipment. And we know that tight budgets limit your options for obtaining new furniture. But we have to level with you: Continuing to work with the monitor in the far right-hand corner of the desk is asking for physical trouble.
Perhaps you can have the school purchase a new, adjustable workstation for your computer, which would allow you to keep your desk for paper and telephone work. Or maybe you can locate an unused table or desk somewhere in the building that can be moved into the office and used for paperwork while the computer is moved to the center of your desk.
Q: What about the keyboard?
A: The keyboard should be detachable from the monitor and placed low enough so your arms are relaxed and sloping down toward the floor. Your wrists should be straight, rather than bent up or down while typing. (Your knuckles, wrist and forearm should form a straight line.)
This is very important in preventing repetitive strain injury. Here are some other tips:
• If the desk surface is too high to put the keyboard on, order an adjustable keyboard tray that can be attached to the underside of the desk top and lowered or raised as needed. (Sometimes an existing desk drawer can substitute for the tray — but not if you have to reach over the vertical front of the drawer.) Try to get a tray that is wide enough to hold a mouse as well as the keyboard.
• If your keyboard tray allows you to adjust the angle, position it so the keyboard’s space bar is slightly higher than the number row — this puts your hands in a natural, comfortable position. This will counteract the improper design of most keyboards, which either are built higher at the number row or have feet that flip down at that end. (If you don’t have a tilting tray, try placing a one-inch loose-leaf binder under the keyboard with the wide edge facing you.)
• You also may find it helpful to place the keyboard on a foam pad to soften the impact of your fingers on the keys. If you are ordering a new keyboard, select one that doesn’t require excessive pressure to depress the keys.
• Sit close enough to the keyboard so that you don’t have to stretch your arms to reach it.
Q: Should I get a wrist rest?
A: The jury is out on this issue. Some consultants recommend placing a wrist rest in front of the keyboard, but other experts on repetitive strain injury advise against using them while you are typing because they force your wrists to bend up and your fingers to do more stretching to reach the keys. They are probably safe to rest your wrists on when not typing. However, it is probably safer — and cheaper — to rest your hands in your lap during pauses in typing.
Q: What about the new divided or angled keyboards? Can they help prevent RSI?
A: Manufacturers have developed a number of new keyboard styles that are supposed to reduce the strain on fingers and wrists. The role of such keyboards in preventing repetitive strain injuries has not yet been scientifically documented, but some users find them helpful.
Before ordering an alternative design keyboard, it is important to learn as much as you can about appropriate hand/wrist positions for typing so you can determine which model will best help you maintain those positions. Excellent photographs of appropriate positions can be found in the Pascarelli and Quilter book and a computer program called Key Moves that teaches you to type in a manner that avoids injury. (More information on Key Moves is provided below in the discussion of typing techniques.)
Q: Looking back and forth between my document and the screen seems to strain my eyes and neck. What can I do?
A: A copy stand should be positioned as close to the screen as possible and at the same height. You can order a copy holder for less than $5 which attaches directly to the monitor. Get one for each side of the screen so you can change the position of the copy periodically. On Secretary’s Days in 1998 and in 1999, the UFT sent copy holders to each school secretary, but the union does not keep them in stock.
Q: I notice that my neck sometimes hurts after I talk on the phone. Should I be concerned?
A: Cradling the telephone receiver between your ear and shoulder can cause serious injury. Order a lightweight telephone headset or speaker phone so you won’t have to tilt your head.
Q: Your earlier list of essential injury prevention measures included appropriate typing techniques. What are the most important things I need to know?
A: Lift your hands when you reach for the keys rather than stretching your fingers or twisting your wrists. Move your whole arm from your shoulder so the larger muscles support the work of hands, arms and wrists. Since keeping your wrists floating in the air can tire your shoulder muscles, rest your hands in your lap during pauses in typing.
Q: Do you have any other suggestions about typing technique?
A: Here are some other tips:
Q: Do you have any other suggestions about typing technique?
A: Here are some other tips:
Q: Where can I learn more about typing techniques?
A: The typing advice given above is drawn primarily from two books: Pascarelli and Quilter’s Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User’s Guide and Stephanie Brown’s Preventing Computer Injury: The Hand Book.
Brown’s book has been converted into a computer program called Key Moves that systematically teaches you to type in a manner that reduces the risk of repetitive strain injury. The program includes 110 visuals that help you set up an appropriate work station and learn appropriate hand positions. Key Moves (along with a copy of Brown’s book) is available from Ergonome, which can be reached at (212)222-9600.
Q: What about techniques for using a mouse?
A: Using a mouse may be even more stressful than using the keyboard, since all of the work is done with one hand and primarily one finger. The New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH) recommends using keyboard commands instead of the mouse whenever possible.
When you must use a mouse, place the mouse at keyboard level so you won’t have to bend your wrist up to reach it. Drape your fingers loosely over the mouse instead of griping it tightly. Use your whole arm and shoulder when you move the mouse. Don’t rest your wrist or forearm on the table. Be sure your wrist is straight rather than twisted to either side or down on the desk and be careful not to lift your pinky. Use a light touch when you click. These tips on mouse use can be found in the Pascarelli and Quilter and Brown books.
The right way to mouse. The mouse may be more dangerous
than the keyboard, because people tend to hug it with the palm, which forces
the wrist to bend. Here's how to do it properly: Keep the forearm and wrist
in a straight, neutral
position and bend your elbow at a 90 degree angle. Imagine there's a Ping Pong
ball between your palm and the mouse. Grip the mouse lightly and move it using
the big muscles of your shoulder, rather than the small ones of your wrist.
Click gently.
Q: Can exercise prevent repetitive strain injuries?
A: Since people who are out of shape seem to be more prone to repetitive strain injury, some doctors and therapists who treat RSIs believe that exercise to stretch and strengthen muscles and encourage good posture can help prevent injury. Others argue that no exercise program can adequately protect the body against an excessive work pace or equipment and furniture that force the computer user into awkward or static postures.
Q: If the experts disagree, what should I do?
A: Even if exercise doesn’t directly prevent computer injury, an exercise routine can help to reduce stress and promote general health. If avoiding RSI is the incentive you need to exercise, why not take it?
Q: Could you suggest some exercises that I can do in the office if I’m feeling stiff?
A: Here are some of our favorites, each of which should be done three times:
Shoulder rotation. Stand with arms hanging loosely at sides. Rotate right shoulder in a complete circle, first moving it forward and up toward the ear, then backward. Repeat with left shoulder and then again with both shoulder simultaneously, pressing shoulder blades together and down.
Overhead stretch. Stand erect, arms at sides. Inhaling, stretch arms up overhead, reaching one arm and then the other toward ceiling as high as you can; repeat reaching both arms. Each time, hold highest position. Exhale, relax arms and let them slowly drop to the sides.
Forward bend. Begin with overhead stretch while inhaling. Then, exhale and bend forward from hips, keeping back straight and arms next to and above your ears. Bend as far down as comfortable; if possible, place palms next to feet. It’s OK to bend your knees a little until your ham-strings become more flexible.
Neck rolls. Lower chin to chest and, inhaling, slowly rotate head over left shoulder. Tilt head back. Exhale while rotating head over right shoulder. Return to starting position, chin to chest. Reverse direction.
Side stretch. Stand with feet a shoulder-width apart and legs straight. Inhale, raise arms sidewards to shoulder level with palms down. Turn left palm up and continue raising left arm until it presses against left ear while lowering right arm to side. Exhale, bend at the waist to the right, sliding right hand down right leg as far as is comfortable. Hold the position. Inhale, raise right arm and lower left arm back to shoulder level. Exhale and lower both arms to the side. Repeat on opposite side.
Arm raises. Either seated at your chair or standing, lace your fingers together behind your back. With back and arms straight, raise hands as high as they will comfortably go. If standing, you can couple this with a forward bend at the waist, raising your still laced hands above your head. Straighten slowly one vertebra at a time.
Shoulder and neck stretch. Sit on floor, knees bent, feet a shoulder-width apart. Reach hands through inside of knees and grasp outside of ankles. Gently pull down as far as is comfortable, feeling stretch in shoulder and neck.
Q: Where can I learn more about appropriate exercises for computer users?
A: There are two illustrated books that provide other valuable exercises. Some of which are best done at home, because some involve lying down on floor:
Q: Any other advice about exercise?
A: Approach any recommended exercise routine with caution. Begin gradually and gently and don’t continue any exercise that causes pain. If you are already injured, consult your doctor before doing any exercise.
Q: Tell me about the vision problems associated with computer work.
A: The most common health complaints among computer operators involve eye problems. Indeed the American Optometric Association has coined a name for the complaints: computer vision syndrome.
These complaints include: headaches; tired and aching eyes; burning, itching or watering eyes; blurred vision; increased sensitivity to light; and temporary nearsightedness. Many computer workers find that they need glasses for the first time or have to change prescriptions more frequently.
Q: What causes these eye problems?
A: Glare on the computer screen, poor lighting and poor screen quality (fuzzy or flickering images; inability to control contrast and brightness) may contribute to the development of eye strain. Eye strain also may result from continuously focusing on the screen or from looking back and forth repeatedly between the screen and a document placed at a different viewing distance. Eyes may become dry and irritated because people don’t blink as often when looking at a computer monitor as they do when reading or handling everyday tasks.
Q: What can I do to protect my eyes?
A: To protect your eyes, you should:
Q: What do I need to know about eye exams and glasses?
A: Have your eyes checked before you begin using a computer and regularly thereafter. Find out if your doctor is aware of the American Optometric Association guidelines for eye exams for computer operators.
Consider getting glasses specifically for computer use that are adjusted to the viewing distance between your eyes and the screen, rather than the standard reading distance.
Bifocals can be a problem for computer operators because people who wear them instinctively tilt their heads up in order read the screen; this can result in neck and upper body pain. If you normally wear bifocals, you may find a full-glass pair of reading glasses more appropriate for computer work.
Q: I have a skin rash that developed after computers were installed in our office. Could this be related to computer use?
A: Skin rashes, particularly on the face, have been commonly reported among computer users. The problem may be related to the build-up of electrostatic charges on the computer monitor, particularly in offices that are hot and dry.
Q: What can I do to prevent skin irritation?
A: To reduce static electricity, try installing a humidifier, placing a plastic mat under the chair and a pad under the keyboard and using a grounded glare screens. And check your posture to make sure you are not leaning too close to the screen.
Q: Ever since our office was computerized, the workload has increased and there is a lot of pressure to produce typed documents more quickly than is realistic. The stress is making me feel sick. I get headaches and sometimes I can’t sleep at night.
A: You’re not alone. The introduction of computers often is accompanied by increased job stress. And that stress can have a negative impact on your health unless you learn ways to minimize its physical and emotional impact. How can stress hurt you? Like animals, people have an inborn reaction to stressful situations called the "fight or flight" response. This reaction includes increased blood pressure, increased heart rate and more rapid breathing. Muscles tense to get ready for action. All of this means wear and tear for the body.
Q: What can I do about stress?
A: No matter what you do, you will be under some amount of stress. The trick is to manage it through techniques that include taking more control of your work situation, exercise, relaxation and diet and watching your consumption of drugs and alcohol. The booklet Managing Stress: A Guide for UFT Members can help you. It provides practical advice on stress reduction and includes tips on exercise and diet. Watch the New York Teacher for an order coupon.
Use some of the periodic computer breaks which were recommended earlier to "cool out" by exercising and practicing abdominal breathing (also described in the UFT stress guide). This can help you relax. Taking more control of your work schedule through negotiation with colleagues and supervisors can help not only to reduce stress, but also to avoid repetitive strain injury.
Q: Do computers emit electromagnetic fields and radiation?
A: Yes. The computer monitor (also called the video display terminal or VDT) contains a flyback transformer that controls electron beams to produce the image you see on your screen. The transformer produces "very low frequency" (VLF) electromagnetic radiation. In addition, computers emit "extremely low frequency" (ELF) electromagnetic fields. These ELF fields are produced by every appliance and piece of office equipment that runs on electrical current.
Q: Is exposure to electromagnetic fields and radiation a health hazard?
A: Scientists have long known that exposure to ionizing radiation (high frequency electromagnetic energy) like that associated with X-rays and gamma rays can cause cancer. However, there is an open question about the long-term effects of the lower frequency, less powerful non-ionizing radiation associated with computers and microwave ovens and the extremely low frequency electromagnetic fields associated with electrical current.
Previously, scientists thought these electromagnetic fields were harmless. But recent research has shown that some types of low frequency electromagnetic energy can harm laboratory animals. In addition, some epidemiological research (studies of groups of people to identify environmental, occupational and other factors that may be responsible for particular diseases) has suggested that workplace exposure to low frequency electromagnetic fields and radiation may be associated with miscarriages, birth defects and cancer. Other studies, however, have found no such link.
More epidemiological and laboratory research is now under way. It may take a decade or more, however, for scientists to determine whether computers and the electromagnetic energy they produce can be responsible for serious health problems. Meanwhile the manufacturers of computers and computer monitors have taken steps to significantly reduce electromagnetic emissions from newer equipment.
Q: If scientists don’t know if electromagnetic fields and non-ionizing radiation are hazardous, should we be concerned?
A: Many scientists and public health workers suggest that the prudent response to the current scientific uncertainty is to reduce exposure as much as possible in order to be on the safe side. Information on minimizing your own exposure is included here.
Q: Are there any government standards to protect workers against exposure to electromagnetic fields and non-ionizing radiation from computers?
A: The United States government has not set any limits on the amount of electromagnetic emissions from computers, but the Swedish government has set stringent limits on ELF and VLF emissions. Fortunately, the Board of Education has responded positively to pressure from the UFT and has agreed not to purchase any computer equipment that does not meet Swedish standards.
Q: Is there anything I can do myself to minimize exposure to electromagnetic emissions from our office computers?
A: The most effective thing you can do is work with your colleagues to arrange your office so no one is sitting or working closer than three feet from the back or sides of any computer. (Since the flyback transformer is housed in the back of the computer, this is where the VLF emissions are highest.) This strategy will protect you because the strength of electromagnetic emissions declines quickly as you move away from the source.
Although VLF emissions are lowest at the front of the monitor, you should sit 18 inches or more away from the screen when you are working at the computer. As already noted, this also is the best distance for your eyes.
Since walls do not block magnetic fields, be sure no one is sitting closer than three feet to the back or sides of a computer in an adjacent office.
Q: Do the electromagnetic radiation shields advertised by some manufactures work?
A: According to Mark Pinsky’s The EMF Book: What You Should Know About Electromagnetic Fields, Electromagnetic Radiation and Your Health, screens that fit on the front of the monitor are not effective in reducing electromagnetic emissions. However, a shield that takes the form of a metal band that clips to the computer and wraps around it works well. But you don’t really need one of these expensive shields if you can arrange your office so there is adequate distance between you and the back of any computer.
Q: What about time spent at the computer?
A: If feasible, reducing the number of hours you spend at the computer is an effective way to reduce exposure to electromagnetic energy. Some women who are pregnant or thinking about trying to conceive have made a special effort to arrange their jobs to minimize computer time.
Q: You said that extremely low frequency (ELF) electromagnetic fields are produced by all electrical equipment and appliances. What can I do to protect myself against exposure from these other sources?
A: Computer printers, copy machines and electric typewriters produce more substantial ELF emissions than computers do. Try to sit more than three feet away from such equipment and turn it off whenever possible.
At home you should be concerned about electric blankets, electric can openers and microwave ovens among other appliances. For information on reducing exposures to both ELF and VLF waves at home and in the office consult, Pinsky’s The EMF Book.
Q: I am overwhelmed. You’ve suggested ordering an adjustable chair and new desk or keyboard tray as well as a copy stand, foot rest and lumbar pillow. You have also recommended adjusting office lighting, rearranging furniture so we sit more than three feet from the back of any computers and taking lots of rest breaks. Where do I begin?
A: We know this is a lot to deal with at first. We know, too, that school budgets are limited and that school secretaries often work in cramped spaces and have to consider many factors when arranging furniture.
But we want you to be armed with as much information as possible so you can begin to take steps to protect yourself against injury. Sometimes making one or two changes in your workstation can significantly reduce discomfort and prevent the development of serious problems.
Try following these tips for establishing a computer safety plan that can be implemented gradually:
Q: Where can we obtain the equipment and supplies you have recommended?
A: Many of the recommended items (such as copy stands, keyboard drawers, and telephone headset) can be ordered through the Board of Education’s Bureau of Supplies; others can be obtained through outside suppliers. The UFT is working with the Bureau of Supplies to increase the range of computer-related ergonomic equipment available.
Q: Where does the money come from to pay for this equipment?
A: Every school has money to spend on equipment and furnishings, but this is not a fixed amount. As the school system moves into the era where school leadership teams (composed of faculty, administrators and parents) will be making budgetary choices starting in the fall of 1999, getting money for your office equipment will become more of a matter of negotiation. To make sure that your priorities are included in the school’s priorities, you should discuss your needs with the principal and UFT chapter leader, both of whom are automatically members of the school leadership team.
The exception would be if you have a physician’s diagnosis of permanent injury. In that case, as noted earlier, the board is obligated under federal law to provide you with a workplace accommodation regardless of the expense. Treating Computer Injuries
Q: I have some symptoms of RSI. How can I find a knowledgeable physician?
A: Many doctors are not familiar with RSIs and the work conditions that can cause them. As a result, RSIs are often misdiagnosed as arthritis.
If possible, see a doctor at an occupational health clinic. If that is not feasible, try a physiatrist (rehabilitation specialist), orthopedist or neurologist. These doctors tend to be more familiar with RSIs.
Q: Where can I find an occupational health clinic?
A: Mount Sinai Hospital maintains clinics in Manhattan, Brooklyn and Westchester County and also has a support group for RSI sufferers (212/987-6043). Other occupational health centers include the New York University/Bellevue Occupational and Environmental Medicine Clinic (212/562-4572), the Long Island Occupational and Environmental Health Center (516/476-2719) and the Occupational and Industrial Orthopaedic Center at the Hospital for Joint Diseases (212/255-6690).
Q: What can I expect the doctor to do?
A: The doctor should ask you detailed questions about your medical history and your work history. This should be followed by a thorough physical examination to identify muscle or nerve damage. Much of the exam can be conducted by the doctor with simple equipment, but sometimes specialized tests such as an EMG (electromyogram) or an MRI (magnetic resonance image) will be ordered.
Generally, the physician will prescribe some combination of rest, application of cold/heat, anti-inflammatory drugs and physical or occupational therapy. Be wary of doctors who recommend only drugs or surgery and make no effort to inquire about your working conditions. The best physicians will help you identify changes in your work environment (including rest breaks and modifications in equipment) that can promote healing and prevent re-injury or will send you to an occupational therapist who can do so. If surgery is recommended, be sure to get a second opinion.
Information about selecting a physician and getting as much as possible out of any treatment prescribed is provided in the books by Pinsky and Pascarelli and Quilter.
Q: I have a repetitive strain injury that makes it painful to type and my doctor has prescribed an extended rest period and physical therapy. What can I do about my job?
A: You can use your sick days. If you’re regularly appointed, if necessary you also can take a leave without pay while recuperating. All UFT members are eligible to collect shortterm disability pay from the UFT Welfare Fund.
If your disability proves to be permanent and you can no longer perform the key functions of your job, you can apply for disability retirement, provided you are a member of the retirement system. Call the UFT pension representative in your borough office for more information.
Q: If I develop an RSI as a result of work at school, am I eligible for injury in the line of duty (LOD) pay?
A: At this moment, unfortunately no. In 1995, the UFT brought an RSI case to medical arbitration for the first time. It involved two school secretaries who had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. As the union’s Grievance Department had anticipated, the arbitrator said that he could not grant line-of-duty injury status to someone with RSI because it was not specifically included among injuries that the board covered.
The Secretaries Chapter strongly believes that repetitive strain injuries are new to office work and should be eligible for line-of-duty status. If necessary, the union will try to address the problem with new contract language.
Q: What about the Americans with Disabilities Act? Does this federal law provide any protection for secretaries injured by computer work?
A: It may in some cases if your disability is permanent and if it substantially limits your ability to perform one or more major life activities, such as working.
The ADA protects disabled individuals from employment discrimination. It also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations (such as modifying equipment or job schedules) to the physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, unless providing the accommodation would impose an undue financial hard-26 ship on the employer.
If you think reasonable accommodations would enable you to continue to do your job or if you believe you are being discriminated against because you have a disability (or are perceived to have one), the union can help you determine if you may be covered by ADA. Ask your chapter leader to contact your UFT district representative. The UFT has secured many workplace accommodations for members with a variety of disabilities, and the board usually has worked with the union to keep our members on the job.
Q: Could you give me examples of accommodations?
A: They will vary according to your disability and office setup, but here are two examples: limiting typing and providing ergonomic equipment.
Q: Can the union help me get an accommodation under the ADA?
A: Absolutely. If you need more help in securing an accommodation than your school chapter leader is able to provide, contact the UFT’s Committee for the Capably Disabled at (212) 777-7500.
Q: I have a repetitive strain injury that makes it painful to type and my doctor has prescribed an extended rest period and physical therapy. What can I do about my job?
A: You can use your sick days. If you’re regularly appointed, if necessary you also can take a leave without pay while recuperating. All UFT members are eligible to collect shortterm disability pay from the UFT Welfare Fund.
If your disability proves to be permanent and you can no longer perform the key functions of your job, you can apply for disability retirement, provided you are a member of the retirement system. Call the UFT pension representative in your borough office for more information.
Q: If I develop an RSI as a result of work at school, am I eligible for injury in the line of duty (LOD) pay?
A: At this moment, unfortunately no. In 1995, the UFT brought an RSI case to medical arbitration for the first time. It involved two school secretaries who had been diagnosed with carpal tunnel syndrome. As the union’s Grievance Department had anticipated, the arbitrator said that he could not grant line-of-duty injury status to someone with RSI because it was not specifically included among injuries that the board covered.
The Secretaries Chapter strongly believes that repetitive strain injuries are new to office work and should be eligible for line-of-duty status. If necessary, the union will try to address the problem with new contract language.
Q: What about the Americans with Disabilities Act? Does this federal law provide any protection for secretaries injured by computer work?
A: It may in some cases if your disability is permanent and if it substantially limits your ability to perform one or more major life activities, such as working.
The ADA protects disabled individuals from employment discrimination. It also requires employers to make reasonable accommodations (such as modifying equipment or job schedules) to the physical or mental limitations of an otherwise qualified individual with a disability, unless providing the accommodation would impose an undue financial hard-26 ship on the employer.
If you think reasonable accommodations would enable you to continue to do your job or if you believe you are being discriminated against because you have a disability (or are perceived to have one), the union can help you determine if you may be covered by ADA. Ask your chapter leader to contact your UFT district representative. The UFT has secured many workplace accommodations for members with a variety of disabilities, and the board usually has worked with the union to keep our members on the job.
Q: Could you give me examples of accommodations?
A: They will vary according to your disability and office setup, but here are two examples: limiting typing and providing ergonomic equipment.
Q: Can the union help me get an accommodation under the ADA?
A: Absolutely. If you need more help in securing an accommodation than your school chapter leader is able to provide, contact the UFT’s Committee for the Capably Disabled at (212) 777-7500.
Q: What is the union doing to protect us against computer injuries?
A: The union is active in these areas:
Training: The UFT holds workshops on computer safety for secretaries on staff development day and at district meetings. You can ask your chapter leader to request a training session in your district.
Technical Assistance and Advocacy: The UFT’s Health and Safety Committee and staff industrial hygienists provide technical assistance to secretaries who need help identifying solutions for computer-related problems. We also provide support when staff need assistance obtaining administration approval for office upgrade plans.
Purchasing Guidelines: As already noted, the union has obtained a board commitment to purchase only computers that meet Swedish standards for electromagnetic emissions. Currently we are working with the board to develop ergonomic standards for office equipment that is centrally purchased. We also are negotiating with the Bureau of Supplies to ensure that they offer a wider range of ergonomic computer-related supplies for purchase by individual schools.
Contract Language: The 1995-2000 secretary contract requires the board to work with the union to deal with complaints about computer equipment. The UFT also is exploring the use of contract language to win injury in the line of duty pay for computer injuries.
Government Standards: The UFT has played an active role in promoting adoption of city and federal standards for computer safety in the workplace. Currently we are working with the AFT and the AFL-CIO to win adoption of an ergonomic standard developed by the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA). Approval has been stalled by business opposition.
Q: My children use computers at home and in school. Should I worry about their safety?
A: The same rules of ergonomics that affect you also affect children, but applying them is often complicated because your children are probably using adult-size furniture. As a result, they may be craning their necks to see the screen, reaching their arms up to a keyboard, flexing their wrists and dangling their feet — and what child sits with proper posture? At press time, Cornell University researchers had just published the first relevant study, concluding that at least four in 10 third, fourth and fifth graders observed at school computers risked serious injury.
The UFT has voiced its concerns to the Board of Education and the School Construction Authority. Some new and renovated classrooms have been equipped with ergonomic equipment, but at the moment the board seems to be focusing more on providing computers and Internet access than on proper furniture.
Q: How can I protect my children?
A: Teach them about computer safety, stressing these points:
Q: Where can I get more information about the health problems associated with computer use?
A: Repetitive Strain Injury: A Computer User’s Guide (New York: John Wiley and Sons, 1994) by Emil Pascarelli, MD, and Deborah Quilter covers prevention, diagnosis and treatment of computer injuries as well as emotional and legal issues.
Another excellent source of information is the New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health (NYCOSH), 275 Seventh Avenue, 8th floor, New York, New York 10001. NYCOSH, is a pro-labor/nonprofit organization that focuses on the prevention and treatment of workplace injuries. Its telephone hotline provides answers to a variety of questions about ergonomic issues and Worker’s Compensation (212/627-3900). It also publishes a variety of materials about these issues.
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Additional information on repetitive strain injuries and potential hazards from exposure to electromagnetic energy is provided in two books by Mark A. Pinsky: The Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Book: Preventing and Treating CTS, Tendinitis and Related Cumulative Trauma Disorders (1993) and The EMF Book: What You Should Know About Electromagnetic Fields, Electromagnetic Radiation and Your Health (1995). Both are published by Warner Books.
Stephanie Brown’s book, Preventing Computer Injuries: The Hand Book, which teaches typing techniques that are designed to minimize the risk of repetitive strain injury, has been converted into a computer program called Key Moves. The book and program are sold as a package by Ergonome, 145 West 96th Street, New York, NY 10025, (212) 222-9600.
Additional resources used in the preparation of this booklet include these titles:
An Ergonomics Guide to VDT Workstations. (Virginia: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 1994)
Brody, Jane. "Making Computer Use Easier on the Eyes." New York Times, August 7, 1996.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the Hand and Wrist: An Ergonomics Guide. (Virginia: American Industrial Hygiene Association, 1994)
Electromagnetic Fields (EMFs): A Training Workbook for Working People. (New York: Labor Institute, 1995)
Exercises: Do They Help Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries? (Massachusetts Department of Industrial Accidents, 1992. Prepared by the Office Technology Education Project, Somerville, MA.)
Have A Seat: A Consumer’s Guide to Buying an Office Chair. (New York: New York Committee for Occupational Safety and Health [NYCOSH], 1995)
Repetitive Strain Injuries: If You Work at a Computer Terminal, You Are at Risk. (Massachusetts Department of Industrial Safety, 1990. Prepared by the Office of Technology Education Project, Somerville, MA.)
Stop Repetitive Motion Disorders. (New York: Communication Workers of America, District 1, 80 Pine Street, New York, NY 10005)
VDTs Are Hard on Your Eyes. (Massachusetts Department of Public Health: Women’s Health Division)