Health and Safety

AS Module 1 10.10

Heathcote Ch. 13

Computers and Health Not so long ago, computers were expected to release humans

from the drudgery of boring and repetitive work

Nowadays, computers are deemed responsible for a whole range of health hazards

• Stress• RSI• Eyestrain• ELF radiation• Backache

Stress Major factor in work-related illness

Ways in which computers put pressure on workers:

• They may be used to monitor performance

• They induce fear and panic – particularly in older people

• It can be impossible to escape them• Mobile phones, modems, laptops

• Information overload

• Speed of development contributes to stress-related illnesses

RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

Usually affects hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders and neck

Can develop to be very debilitating

Once it develops it tends to recur

HSE says more than 100,000 workers suffer to some degree

Eyestrain Long hours spent in front of a screen

No evidence that computers cause permanent damage

The following factors all contribute to at least temporary eyestrain

• Glare• Improper lighting• Improperly corrected vision (wrong glasses)• Poor work practices• Poorly designed workstations

ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) Radiation Exposure to ELF is an everyday occurrence

• Can occur naturally – sun, fire, magnetic effects

Research suggests that effects of ELF are increasing

Some studies try to link ELF to early miscarriages

No clear-cut results• There is evidence of some correlation between miscarriages and

hours spent at a VDU• This could be due to other factors such as stress and workplace

conditions

Ongoing controversy over mobile phones

Computers, Health and the Law 1

Employers are required to:

• Perform an analysis of workstations in order to evaluate the safety and health conditions to which they give rise

• Provide training to employees in the use of workstation components

• Ensure employees take regular breaks or changes in activity

• Provide regular eye tests for workstation users and pay for glasses

Computers, Health and the Law 2

Employees have a responsibility to:

• Use workstations and equipment correctly, in accordance with training provided by employers

• Bring problems to the attention of their employer immediately and co-operate in the correction of these problems

Computers, Health and the Law 3

Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products comply with the Directive. For example:

• Screens must tilt and swivel

• Keyboards must be separate and moveable

• Notebook PCs are not suitable for entering large amounts of data

The Ergonomic Environment Ergonomics refers to the design and functionality of the

environment, and encompasses the entire range of environmental factors. Employers must give consideration to:

• Lighting: office well lit, with blinds• Furniture: chairs of adjustable height, with tilting backrest,

swiveling on five-point base• Work space: combination of chair, desk, computer, accessories,

lighting, heating and ventilation all contribute to overall well-being• Noise: e.g. noisy printers relocated• Hardware: screen must tilt and swivel and be flicker-free, the

keyboard separately attached• Software: should facilitate task, be easy to use and adaptable to

user’s experience