Mouse and pointing devices

When using a mouse or other pointing devices such as track pads, styluses, tablets and trackballs:

• keep the device at the same height and as close to the keyboard as possible. Ensure elbow is bent and close to the body.
• ensure the mouse fits comfortably in the hand to minimise any undue pressure on the wrist and forearm.
• consider operating the device with the non-dominant hand to relieve overuse of dominant hand.
• set the tracking speed of the pointer to suit the user, the task and the number of monitors used.
• have enough space and a flat smooth surface so that the wrist can be kept straight.
• take hands off the keyboard and mouse when not in use. This assists in reducing muscle fatigue from hovering over the equipment.
• take regular breaks from the computer to do other jobs that don’t involve using pointing devices.
• use keyboard shortcuts to decrease use of the device.