The CSIT (occasional) Health & Safety Bulletin, Sep 2005

1. Occupational Strains Prevention:

1.1 Mouse Issues: Consider Becoming a Lefty!

(reminder from the May04 bulletin, as several have had such problems this year)

A recent case of OOS in DCS involved serious tendonitis in the right
shoulder, caused by a period of particularly intensive keyboard/mouse
work (and stress).  A workstation check had been performed recently
prior to this and indicated that the workstation setup was satisfactory. 

In OHS circles, it is now recommended to use the left hand for the mouse
if at all possible (or to alternate every few months).  The reasons for
this arise from the asymmetry of the keyboard: the special keys on the
RHS result in more use of the right hand on the keyboard; coupled with
the use of the mouse by the same hand, this increases the risk of strain
in the right arm / hand.  Secondly, the number keypad on the RHS pushes
the mouse for further away, putting the right arm in a more vulnerable
position. 

Another device that can help is a mouse pad with a gel wrist pad, which can
prevent the mouse moving further away from the the keyboard. See the DCS
Office if you wish to order one. 


2. Local Policy for Children Within the Workplace.

This has been approved and can be read from
	http://cs.anu.edu.au/ohs/ChildInWorkplace.html
It is subject to further discussion.


Peter Strazdins		DCS Safety Co-ordinator	
			http://cs.anu.edu.au/ohs/