Computer use is inherently a repetitive task which can result in fatigue, discomfort, reduced productivity, and injury if the limits of the human body are exceeded. Odyssey '98 provides an opportunity to share practical, technological advances which can be successfully utilized to reduce the repetitive nature of computer work.

Please stop by the Environmental Health & Safety demonstration booth (Booth #36) to learn ways to reduce repetitive motion when using the computer. You will see examples of simple things you can implement immediately using your existing computer equipment and software. For example, learn how to reduce the distance you move your mouse through right click mouse features and keyboard commands and how to reduce repetitive typing through use of macros. In addition, you can learn how programmable mice and trackballs can assist you in further reduction of repetition. Handouts will be available.

At Odyssey, we will be located next to the Center for Advanced Information Technology (CAIT) booth to showcase a new collaborative project between the CAIT, Central Storehouse, and Environmental Health & Safety. This project brings alternative input devices and other ergonomic products to the CAIT, providing a convenient location to try various products to assure the product fits your needs prior to purchase. At least two programmable mice will be available for trial at Odyssey, the Kensington Expert Mouse and the Contour Mouse. In addition, the CAIT will be demonstrating a voice activation system, another means to reduce repetitive motion at the computer. After Odyssey, all of these products will be available for trial at the CAIT, in 165 Shields Library.

For a list of products currently available for trial, please refer to the CAIT's Web page (http://cait.ucdavis.edu/hardware/ergonomic). Included in the Web page is a general description of the product capability, recommended use, information on how to order each product through Central Storehouse, and an evaluation form to gather comments from current users and suggestions for other types of equipment you would like us to showcase.

Send questions and comments about ergonomics to ergonomics@ucdavis.edu.

Resources:

Environmental Health & Safety Ergonomics Web Page:

http://ehs.ucdavis.edu/ergback