The News had the privilege last month, although they may disagree, of having nationally recognized safety and health guru David LeGrande in the building for a visit.  LeGrande, the CWA's director of Occupational Safety and Health, took a tour of Guild departments, the Mailroom and of the Printers departments where our CWA brothers and sisters work.

And, while impressed with the great strides The News has taken in the past in most departments, he did find some areas that could use corrective measures.

While most of the Guild departments have had new furniture in the past five or so years, the Editorial department and Circulation offices lag somewhat in ergonomically correct fixtures.  Those problems, along with some new RSI (repetitive strain injury) monsters, are expected to crop up soon with the mass introduction of the "mouse."

When newer ergonomically correct furniture was bought years ago, its designers, purchasers, and end users did not take into account the high use of the PC and mouse.  Most monitor and keyboard areas are adjustable, but do not have the space available to keep accessories in a comfortable and correct position.  This has the potential of creating a new round of first time injuries, until all those users can be trained on proper use, and the equipment upgraded or retro fit with "safe" gear.

The other major concern to LeGrande is lighting.  He stated that the lighting is actually too bright and direct, suggesting the use of diffusers and glare screens on the computer monitors.

There are some unofficial studies that suggest every hour that is spent looking into a video display terminal, one should spend 5 minutes focusing in on something that is at least 30 feet away.  Getting up to walk to the water fountain will get the blood flowing in your legs, while also "stretching" your eyes. 

And most importantly, if you feel any numbness or pain in your hands, wrists, forearms, shoulders,  neck, legs, etc., and you think it may be attributed to RSI, let someone know.  The Guild, and we expect The News, are willing to resolve these issues before they progress to a debilitating injury. Living a long productive life should be a goal for all to pursue.