Washington State University
Environmental Health & Safety Reporting Injuries

Reporting Injuries

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Computer Vision Syndrome

  • Musculoskeletal disorders are soft-tissue injuries to muscles, tendons, ligaments, cartilage, blood vessels, and nerves.
  • Symptoms might include chronic discomfort, fatigue, pain, swelling, stiffness, burning, numbness, tingling, and limited range of motion of the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, knees, neck, and back.
  • Computer vision syndrome is a collection of symptoms associated with viewing a computer monitor for prolonged periods of time.
  • Symptoms might include burning, itchy, watery, or dry eyes; eyestrain/blurred vision; headaches, and neck and back discomfort and pain.

Employees

Employees experiencing symptoms consistent with musculoskeletal disorders and/or computer vision syndrome are:

  • to report them to their immediate supervisor; and,
  • encouraged to contact Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) to schedule an ergonomic evaluation.

Supervisors

Supervisors, upon notification of a potential musculoskeletal disorder or computer vision syndrome, are: