Health issues

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

Back ache 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.

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.

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

Eyestrain Causes blurred vision and headaches. Can be caused by: focusing on the screen for long periods glare/reflections on the screen or a dirty screen.

Preventing eyestrain Keep the screen clear (use screen wipes). Avoid glare by using adjustable blinds. Take regular breaks. Focus on a distant object at regular intervals. Have regular eye-tests.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

Ergonomic keyboards This keyboard is not broken. It is an ergonomic keyboard. It is designed to help reduce RSI.

Lights There should be 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.

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