To counteract tendonitis, I've occasionally used a simple adjustable velcro band that goes around the lower arm, just below the elbow. It works by compression, right on the tendon cluster that controls the fingers. There are several different ones available. I also find a touchpad even better than a mouse--except for the cursor movements of editing--and definitely can't use a trackball.
Excellent post Jim. I am assuming by the title you mean office environment AND factory floor environment. Prior to retirement, I was engineering support to three production lines; two gas assembly countertop lines and one gas slide-in gas range line. The number of "fatigue" injuries was remarkably high, in my opinion, and exceedingly difficult to solve with fixtures and tooling alone. We did incorporate automation to some degree but the best solution seeded to be rotating personnel so that a maximum of three hours per day on the most difficult job was the answer. I think this solution certainly follows from the four recommendations you made in you post.
Yes, the vertical mouse. I had one too. I could not get used to it. Oddly enough, the boasted "natural feel" did not feel natural at all. I have it in a box somewhere.
Perhaps in this case, a touchpad/trackpad is the way to go.
A colleague of mine just got a joystick style mouse after trying a few other designs. He loves it. The joystick itself doesn't move like a gaming one; the whole device moves just as a standard optical mouse would and the handgrip is fixed. The only thing is that it is USB tethered, not wireless.
Monitors - everyone has their own suggestions for position, etc. If I had a 27" 2560x1440p screen, what do you recommend for position from the face?
Wrists/hands - I use a Microsoft 5000 curves keyboard. My problems were then solved after that. But voice recognition is a good idea. I will look into it. I used it when the software first came out. It was fun, but crude at the time (the year 1997). I'm sure 15 years has made it better.
Desk- I have a regular desk and a standing desk. Alternating between the two is a good way to break fatigue.
Cabe, if you are behind a computer and using one as much as you do...well I would think that you would come up with your own solution. I am behind one as much as you, and have been for more years than you for sure. I don't sit behind a desk, I don't do much of what "normal people" do...I can't. I spend too much time behind the pc, so I created my own way to make it comfortable, I suggest you do the same. It's a long road.
I just hate seeing people suffer using computers in situations that are totally avoildable if they just use a little common sense. Also, employers should be the ones not forcing uncormfortable computer setups on employees.
Cabe, they do make gloves that help reduce the stress on your hands. I bought some years ago. They have supports in the palms and no fingers...might look into those...they helped me when I was drafting full time.
I also want to say...most people do not realize the placement of their monitor. I see it all the time. Look it up. Your eyes should gently look down towards the monitor. It reduces eye strain. I have seen montiors so far above the desk it's ridiculuos. Neck and eye strain. I read about this years ago and have adhered ever since.
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