Tony's Corner
I’ll take a paper cut over a
migraine headache any day
I’ve never believed that a “paperless office” improves
productivity. Perhaps it’s the fact that I spent 20 years working
for a newspaper, or that I love paper and the printed page.
Today, I have a love-hate relationship with my computer
screen. I find that I must take regular breaks to reduce stress
and improve my energy level. Do you?
However, I recently realized something that surprised even
me. In the daily chore of proofreading this magazine and other
documents, I discovered that I hardly, if ever, proofread from
a digital file. I invariably print it and mark corrections with
a pen (an archaic instrument used in the 1970s and 1980s).
I then asked myself: “why do I do this unconsciously every
day?” Here’s the answer: I’m tired – of stiff necks, blurred
vision, sore backs and shoulders, and the headaches I get
after only a couple of hours mentally cemented to my 20”
computer screen.
absenteeism. Ever heard of Computer Vision Syndrome or
CVS? It affects about 90% of employees who spend three
hours or more a day in front of a computer – and it’s now quite
widespread. Other problematic factors include room lighting,
distance from the screen, screen glare, seating posture, etc.
One or all of these can cause headaches, neck and shoulder
pain and much more. I’ll take a few paper cuts over this
nonsense any day.
Lifshitz suggests striking a balance between a tech-enabled
workforce and employees who are healthier, and therefore,
much more productive. Does your workplace encourage that?
If not, it might be time to talk to your supervisor. If you own a
print shop, you might be especially interested in reading his
article by visiting graphicartsmag.com and clicking on “Special
Features” April 3rd.
Until next time, always remember that we’re here to help.
Last month I posted an article on our website on the health
risks of the paperless office by Ian Lifshitz, Vice President of
Sustainability & Stakeholder Relations at APP Canada. He
revealed that today’s paperless offices actually result in lower
productivity, fatigued workers and quite often, more
Tony Curcio
Editor, Graphic Arts Magazine
[email protected]
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6 | May 2019 | GRAPHIC ARTS MAGAZINE
graphicartsmag.com