HP Pavilion xt500 HP Pavilion PC - Safety and Comfort Guide - Page 8

Promoting a Safe and Comfortable Work Environment IMPORTANT Some scientists believe that working intensely, or for a long time in uncomfortable or unnatural positions, may pose risks, such as those mentioned in the Warning at the beginning of this Guide. The information included in this Guide is designed to help you work more safely by recommending ways to work more comfortably and effectively. TIP Self check After reviewing the information in Chapters 1 through 5, double-check your postures and habits using Chapter 6, "Your Safety & Comfort Checklist." Important Choices Posture, lighting, furniture, work organization, and other work conditions and habits cay affect the way you feel and how well you work. By adjusting your work environment and personal practices, you may be able to minimize fatigue and discomfort, and reduce the risk of resulting strains that some scientists believe can lead to injury. Whenever you use a computer, you make choices that can affect your comfort and potentially your safety. This is true whether you use a desktop keyboard and monitor in an office, notebook computer in a college dormitory, wireless keyboard on your lap, or handheld at the airport. In every case, you choose your working posture and your body's position relative to your computer, phone, reference books, and papers. You may also have some control over lighting and other factors. Take Action for Safety and Comfort Many factors in our work environment determine whether we work efficiently and in a manner that promotes good health and safety. By considering, acting on, and periodically reevaluating the recommendations in this Guide, it is possible to create a safer, more comfortable, healthful, and efficient work environment. Students and Teachers The recommendations in this Guide apply to students of all ages. Learning to adjust your work area and finding your comfort zone when you first learn to use a computer is a lot easier than trying to break incorrect work habits after years of computer use. Teachers, have your students work in teams to find inventive solutions when adjustable furniture designed for computer use is not available. 1-2 Safety & Comfort Guide