HEALTH ISSUES Class : Year 8 ‘A’ Date : 16 th February 2009

2 Lesson Contents : Health problems Precautions Ergonomics

3 Wrist and hand injury – long periods of typing and clicking Backaches – wrong sitting position The effects of harmful radiation – from computer screen Eye strain – common problem Repetitive strain injuries (RSI) – friction damage in the tissues especially in the elbow, wrist or shoulder Regular use of computers can caused:

4 Eye Strain Eyes can become strained after staring at a computer screen for a long time -bad light, flickering screen. Fortunately, eyestrain is usually a temporary problem. Symptoms include: Burning or itching eyes Blurring or double vision Headache Nausea Fatigue

5 Solutions: Use monitors which don't flicker Have blinds at the windows so that the sun doesn't shine directly on the screen Use suitable lights that disperse light evenly and don't shine on the screen Use a screen filter Keep your eyes at least 18 inches from the screen Regularly look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance Take regularly breaks - at least 5 minutes break every hour Have regular eye tests and wear glasses if prescribed Eye Strain

6 Let’s watch two short video clips on how to ease eyes strain Eye Strain

7 Many computer users suffer serious back problems - poor posture or awkward position while sitting at a computer How to avoid: Use a fully adjustable chair. The height of the chair and the seat position should be easy to change. Use footrests so that the legs are kept at a more natural angle Use a monitor which is adjustable. Position it so that the neck doesn't have to bend Take regular breaks and walk about. Sit with the back straight and the head up, don't slouch Back Pain

8 Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is damage to the fingers, wrists and other parts of the body due to repeated movements over a long period of time. Symptoms: In the arms and hands: – Aching, pain in arms/wrists even after rest, weakness – Swelling, tenderness, numbness – pins and needles or burning sensation In the shoulders and neck: – stiffness, aching Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

9 Causes: Typing or using the mouse for long periods of time Using too much force on your fingers when typing Using a poorly designed keyboard Workstation or chair is the wrong height so arms are in an unnatural position Solution Ensure workstation and chair are the correct height Support wrists by using wrist rests Keep elbows close to your sides Five minute break from typing at least every hour Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

10 Health experts have suggested that ozone emitted from laser printers can lead to breathing problems Solution: Laser printers should be situated at least one metre away from where people are sitting and there should be good ventilation in the area Ozone Irritation

11 There are many different reasons why people become stressed at work. Stress

12 Major causes brought about by the use of computers: Many people are afraid of computers. Why? People worry that a computer will be able to replace them and they might lose their jobs Things change so fast in the world of computing - keep up to date with new ideas, techniques and equipment, especially for older people. Hard to separate work and home life. Can be easily contacted by their bosses or clients. , the Internet and mobile phones - people continue to work even after office hours Stress

13 The amount of information that ICT systems produce - too much -- 'information overload' Workers can be monitored using ICT systems: – Call centre staff are monitored to make sure that they don't spend too long on any one call. – The number of products that a check-out person scans during a minute are counted. – This feeling of being constantly 'watched' can be very stressful. Stress

14 Precautions which can be taken in workplace: Ensure there are no trailing wires around the room - people could trip Electrical sockets should not be overloaded Electrical equipment should be safety tested at least once a year There should be adequate space around desks for people to move Bags and obstacles should be stored out of the way so that people can't trip over them Food and drink should not be placed near a machine Heating and ventilation should be suitable for the working environment Work desks should be strong enough to support computers and equipment Staff should follow the safety regulations Fire extinguishers should be available, including specialist ones to deal with electrical fires. Fire exits should be clearly marked and free from clutter Safety Issues

15 'Health and Safety at Work Act (1974)’ - Laws to ensure that employers provide a safe working environment for anyone who works with computers. The law states that an employer must: provide tiltable screens provide anti-glare screen filters provide adjustable chairs provide foot supports make sure lighting is suitable make sure there is sufficient space for people to work train employees how to use work stations correctly ensure employees have sufficient breaks pay for regular eye sight tests for anyone who needs prescription glasses in order to use the computer. Employer obligations

16 Ergonomics An item designed to work with the natural movement of the human body This includes furniture design and the design of peripherals that you need to use, such as mouse and keyboard etc

17 1. The right lighting can reduce eyestrain, neck strain and headaches. 2. The proper desk will let you find the perfect working position. 3. Place your computer screen at eye-level or just below. Sit up straight in your chair. Keep your feet flat on the floor 4. Choose an office task chair that lets you tilt forward or backward 5. When you type, hold your fingers, wrists and lower arms in a straight line from your keyboard. 6. Keep equipment that you use a lot, like your telephone and computer keyboard, within a distance of about 75 cm when you're sitting at your desk. 7. Keep other storage and equipment farther away. This encourages you to change working positions during the day. Ergonomics

18 Video clips on “Ergonomics office” and “Computer and desk stretches” Ergonomics

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21 Q & A The End…

22 Group work List out as many safety precautions or guidelines in a computer room which is safe for pupils to use. Collect information on health hazards caused by unused or old computer equipment.