Topic 26 - Health Issues

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

Back Ache Prevention

• 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 directly in front of you
• Use a footrest

Working with computers can be stressful. Stress can be caused by:

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

Stress Prevention

• Ask for help with a problem
• Use software that you are familiar with
• Leave the problem and take a break

Causes blurred vision and headaches. Can be caused by:

• Focusing on the screen for long periods of time
• Glare/reflections on the screen or a dirty screen

Preventions for Eyestrain

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

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

Preventions for Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

• Adjust the chair to suit you
• Ensure you have enough work space
• Use a document holder
• Use a wrist rest
• Keep wrists straight when typing
• Postition the mouse so your wrist can be kept straight
• Learn how to type properly

Chairs should:

• Have an adjustable backrest to support the back
• Allow the seat height to be adjusted
• Have a 5 caster base
• Have an adjustable arm rests

Keyboards should:

• Be seperate from the screen - this is often not the case with laptops
• Be tiltable
• Have a matt surface to reduce glare
• Include enough space to rest your wrists

Ergonomic keyboard

• This keyboard is not broken - It is designed to help reduce RSI

Desks

• Correct height
• Non-reflective surface
• Plenty of room to work

Lights

• There should be no point sources of light (to reduce reflections on screen)
• Adjustable blinds reduce amount of sunshine entering through windows
• Matt grey keyboard, mouse, screen etc to reduce glare