Legal issues Health issues

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

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

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

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

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

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

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 back rest 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 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

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

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

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

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.