In the face of adversity, opportunity for new touch technology arises. Since the introduction of the computer mouse, many office workers began reporting pain and suffering contributed to use of the input device. OSHA and professionals in the medical community confirm a direct link.
Since the introduction of the computer mouse, nearly 20 years ago, there has been a reported rise in work related injuries according to the United States Department of Labor. Communities of medical professionals confirm a direct link between repetitive strain injuries is directly linked to use of the mouse as the primary input device. Continued use of this device dramatically increases strain related injuries based on awkward body positioning and twisting and turning motions involved in the operation of the mouse. These repetitive movements are primarily pointing and clicking with hands, wrists, arms, and upper body movements that are contrary to human anatomical design. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), repetitive strain injuries develop due to ergonomically incorrect product designs. Especially in respect to computer hardware input devices, such as the computer mouse. Humans are suffering in office environments and the costs to businesses are quickly escalating in direct response to claims of worker compensation cases. These injured workers suffer losses in productivity due to work stoppages and slowdowns. Here are a few examples, which illustrate the seriousness of the problem:
Costs to Businesses are in excess of $9 billion dollars each year for workers compensation claims directly attributed to ergonomically incorrect designs.
Over 1,000,000 new cases of repetitive strain injuries, (RSI), and carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) are reported each year in the United States.
50% of all work-related injuries are repetitive strain injuries or carpal tunnel syndrome acquired via computer input devices.
36% of victims of carpal tunnel syndrome require unlimited medical treatment.
Only 23% of all carpal tunnel syndrome patients are able to return to their jobs following surgery.
While these statistics apply only to the citizens of the United States of America, it is suspected to be a similar situation in other Nations around the globe. Less industrialized countries, however, who have not gathered information, argue there is an explanation for the large numbers in the United States. Many believe that the popularity of personal computers is directly linked to the number of reported cases and less industrialized nations would yield much lower numbers if surveyed. While this may or may not have merit once tabulated, it is a widely held belief by those concerned with ergonomic applications that numbers would be similar in other countries. Yet, these same ergonomic engineers believe there is some truth to the explanation of the wide spread reporting in the United States. The reasoning behind the multi-facet explanation, they suggest, is based for income the citizens of the United States have in direct comparison to citizens of other countries. The United States has always been believed to be a nation of spoils where spending of money is like water from a fountain. Especially in respect to personal computers, more spending translates to increased numbers. Yet, whether new touch screen monitors can absolutely replace the mouse as the primary input device is still open for debate.
Especially given new belief in ergonomic design is a new frontier and the rise in new touch technologies and touch screen monitors is yet unproven, many believe with continued use there will be similar reporting. Still other studies suggest repetitive strain injuries are no longer a problem for the average office worker if ergonomic guidelines are implemented and followed. Or so it is with respect to computing systems and office workstations, while many workers disagree.
In fact, many industry insiders suggest new touch screens will revolutionize the computing systems around the world. What was once considered a growing problem afflicting many users has now opened a door of opportunity for computer hardware manufacturers. Among the advocates, promoting safer input devices are makers of touch screen products and ergonomic engineers who have combined the logical physical design of products and factored in the human element hoping to improve user comfort based on anatomically correct design. Thus, new technologies have contributed to usability rather than the affliction of pain and suffering for human workers. While this debate continues, new products are entering the consumer market and slowly but surely paving the way for new technologies. Studies in ergonomic designs reveal hope for those not yet afflicted by anatomically incorrect designs and only the future will reveal the success or failure of the marriage between new technologies and ergonomic engineering.
