health and safety as module 1 10.10 heathcote ch. 13
TRANSCRIPT
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