1. Legal issues
Health issues

2. ICT health problems Back ache Stress Eye strain
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

3. Back ache: the problems
Caused by incorrect posture
Computer users tend to slouch
Laptop users frequently work with computer on their knees
Can be made worse by a poorly designed/non-adjustable chair

4. Prevention of back ache
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

5. Stress Working with computers is stressful. Caused by:
the pace of work
having to learn new technology
frustrating software
losing work – problems with viruses.

6. Eye strain Causes blurred vision and headaches
Can be caused by focusing on the screen for long periods
Also caused by glare/ reflections on the screen or a dirty screen

7. Preventing eye strain Keep the screen clear (use screen wipes)
Avoid glare by using adjustable blinds
Take regular breaks
Look away from the screen to focus on a distant object at regular intervals
Have regular eye-tests

8. Repetitive strain injury
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 avoided

9. Avoiding RSI Adjust the chair to suit you
Ensure you have enough workspace
Use a document holder
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

10. Chairs should: have an adjustable back rest to support the back
allow the seat height to be adjusted
have a 5-caster base
have adjustable arm rests

11. Footrest A footrest should be made available
To allow a user to have the back crease of their knee slightly higher than the pan of the chair

12. Keyboards
Keyboards should be separate from the screen (NB often not the case with laptops)
Keyboards should be tiltable
Keyboards should have a matt surface to reduce glare
Keyboards should leave enough space to rest your wrists

13. Ergonomic keyboards This is an ergonomic keyboard
Designed to help reduce RSI

14. Lights No point sources of light (to reduce reflections on the screen)
Adjustable blinds reduce the amount of sunshine entering through windows
Matt grey keyboard, mouse, screen, etc., to reduce glare

15. Other office equipment
Desks – correct height, non-reflective surface, plenty of room to work

16. Other Safety issues Excessive heat/temperatures from computers
Management of electrical systems / power sockets / UPS
Management of cabling.
Room lighting
Sunlight
Fire prevention / fire extinguishers / smoke detectors
Food and drink usage
Power surges.