Automation: pain replaces the old drudgery; hazards at the keyboard: a special report

Article Abstract:

Cysts, bursitis, tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are some of the ailments affecting the occupational health of workers in several industries and occupations. These are often referred to as 'repetitive-motion' or 'cumulative trauma' disorders since they result from the frequent and rapid hand movements required in high production work environments and in occupations with high degrees of automation. Industries particularly affected include the textile, meatpacking and automobile industries. Workers in any occupation that requires extensive use of a computer keyboard, regardless of industry, are especially susceptible to these problems. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration estimates repetitive-motion disorders comprised 48 percent of work-related injuries in 1988 compared to 18 percent in 1981. Public and private employers are beginning to issue guidelines to lessen these injuries.

Occupational health and safety, Occupational safety and health, Causes of, Work environment, Repetition strain injury, Cumulative trauma disorders

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Quake gives an impetus to commuting by phone

Article Abstract:

Telecommuting may become more wide spread because of programs implemented after the San Francisco Bay Area earthquake, which occurred on Oct 17, 1989. Using a home computer and a modem, workers in San Francisco can remain productive even when they are not able to get to their work. Companies in other parts of the country see telecommuting as a way to help decrease traffic gridlock and to ease conditions in a tightening labor market by accommodating employees who want more flexibility. Currently, 3 million employees in the US telecommute for at least part of their work week. Telecommuting advocates say working at home makes employees more productive and helps cut down on environmental pollution. Opponents point to supervisors' worries about managing unseen employees and employees' worries that management will demand more work or suspect them of sloughing off.

Social aspects, Telecommuting, Public opinion, Earthquakes, Telecommunications, Human Factors, Employee Relations, Loma Prieta Earthquake, 1989, San Francisco Bay Area Earthquake, 1989

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Rise in worker injuries is laid to the computer

Article Abstract:

A Department of Labor report on occupational injuries and illnesses finds a sharp increase in repetitive motion injuries. Experts blame computer technology and automation. The most common repetitive motion injury is carpal tunnel syndrome, a complaint common among workers using computerized equipment or computers. Repetitive motion disorders account for 48 percent of all workplace injuries, up from 38 percent in 187 and 18 percent in 1981. According to the report, the most hazardous jobs are in the manufacturing industry, with lumber, steel, food, stone and glass and automobile industries in the lead. The automobile industry shows the sharpest increase.

Electronic computers, Admin. of social & manpower programs, Computer industry, Microcomputers, Reports, Workplace accidents, Carpal tunnel syndrome, United States. Department of Labor, Microcomputer

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