Ergonomics is the science that focuses on equipment design at workplaces with a view to reduce fatigue and discomfort in workers by improving working conditions. The overall aim of ergonomics is to increase workers’ efficiency and thereby maximize productivity.
Ergonomic furniture and ergonomic accessories are becoming increasingly popular in markets all over the world. For instance, ergonomic keyboards designed with a view to reduce muscle strain and repetitive stress injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, are hitting the market offering different features. Some ergonomic keyboards are a single board with keys arranged in 2 or 3 groups at different angles rather than a straight keyboard. Some have the keyboard split into separate independent pieces with elevated sections at different angles. Some ergonomic keyboards have keys fixed at a vertical elevated level so that the user’s hands can be unbent and perpendicular to the ground.
Employers and workers need to be informed of the health hazards of constant computer use, successful prevention techniques and useful remedies if injuries do occur.
In India, CRI is not treated as an occupational hazard, unlike developed countries such as the US, Canada, Australia and UK where computer-related injuries are compensated.