Topic 1 - Health and Safety

• 1) Back ache. Back ache is mainly caused by sitting with incorrect posture. Slouching in a chair whilst using the computer can lead to back probelms. Sitting awkwardly at a desk is another cause.
• 2) Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Sometimes called ULD (Upper Limb Disorder), causes aches and pains in the hands, wrists, arms and necks. Usually the symptoms do not last but they can be persistant and eventually disabling.
• 3) Eye Strain. It causes blurred vision and headaches. It is caused by using the screen for long periods, glare on the screen, dirt on the screen and working without the best lighting conditions.
• 4) Stress. Using ICT systems can be stressful, especially when things go wrong. The people who produce ICT systems for others to use (e.g. websites, databases, on-line ordering systems, etc.) have a responsibility to us all to makethem simple to use.

IT IS ACTUALLY BEST TO REMEMBER THE FIRST THREE AND NOT STRESS. NOT MANY PEOPLE GIVE MARKS FOR STRESS UNLESS DESCRIBED WELL.

Causes of Back ache:

• Sitting awkwardly
• Slouching

Causes of RSI:

• Typing at high speed
• Repetitive mouse movement
• Incorrect posture

Causes of Eye strain:

• Glare/dirt on screen
• poorly designed software

Solution to back ache:

• Adjustable chair with a 5 point base
• Correct posture
• Align screen correctly

Solution to RSI:

• Use wrist rest
• Space on workstation
• Take breaks
• Use document holder
• Type properly

Solutions to eye strain:

• Keep screen clean
• Regular breaks
• Design software carefully
• Use blinds
• Regular eye tests
• use matt screen

Health and Safety regulations 1992:

Desks/workstations: Big enough, Matt surface and correct height.

Chairs: adjustable height, adjustable seat back and 5 feet with castors

Screens: tilt and swivel, appropriate height, Free from glare, appropriate size and stable image

Training: to adjust screen, use of software and health and safety.