Topic 26

Health problems include:

• Backache
• Repetitive Strain Injury
• Eye strain
• Stress

Problems:

• Caused by incorrect posture
• Computer users tend to slouch and laptop users frequently work with computer on their knees
• Can be made worse by a poorly designed/ non-adjustable chair

Preventions:

• Use an adjustable chair
• Make sure you make adjustments to the chair to suit you
• Sit up straight- do not slouch
• Ensure screen is at the correct angle and is directly in front of you
• Use a footrest

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) problems: 

• Caused by repetitive actions such as typing or mouse clicking
• Causes aches in hands, wrists, arms and neck
• Can eventually be painful and disabling
• Can be prevented

Prevention:

• Adjust the chair to suit you
• Ensure you have enough workspace
• Use a wrist rest
• Keep wrists straight when keying in
• Position the mouse so your wrist can be kept straight
• Learn how to type properly

Problems:

• Causes blurry vision and headaches
• Can be caused by focusing on the screen for long periods
• Or can be caused by glare/ reflections on the screen or dirty screen

Prevention:

• Keep the screen clean
• Avoid glare by using adjustable blinds
• Take regular breaks
• Focus on a distant object at regular intervals
• Have regular eye tests

Problems:

• The pace of work
• Having to learn new technology
• Frustrating software
• Losing work- problems with viruses

Prevention:

• Take regular breaks
• Ask someone who is knowledgeable about the system you are using
• Get training in the systems being used
• Take your time and relax when working on a problem

Chairs should have an adjustable backrest, allow the seat height to be adjusted, have a 5-caster base and have adjustable arm rests.

Keyboards should be seperate from the screen, should be tiltable, should have a matt surface to reduce glare and should include enough space to rest your wrists. 

There should be no point sources of light (to reduce reflections on screen), adjustable blinds reduce the amount of sunshine entering through windows and matt grey keyboard, mouse, screen etc to reduce glare.

Desks should be at the correct height, have a non-reflective surface and have plenty of room to work on.