Health and Safety

There are many problems caused by using computers, and in this post I will cover some of the many health issues, how to avoid them and some of the laws that are associated with them.

RSI - Repetitive Strain Injury
This is what a lot of people had who worked in jobs that required a lot of repeated movements, like typing. The muscles in the hands and wrists would get overworked and stetched, so the hands would eventually curl up in a painful ball.
This can be prevented by taking regular breaks of 5 minutes every hour, and making sure people use the right chairs and arm rests to assure correct posture and a relaxed and comfortable position to work in.

Back pain
This is caused by incorrect posture and uncomfortable chairs. It can easily be prevented by adjustable chairs and foot rests that allow the user to sit at an easy height and placing the moniter so that the neck doesn't have to be bent to see.

Eye strain
Staring at a computer screen can cause pian, nausea, fatigue, blurred vision and headaches. It is usually temporary, but can be easily prevented by taking regular breaks, occasionally looking away from the screen while working and even fitting a filter over the moniter to prevent a lot of the harmful rays that are emitted.

Health, safety and the law
The law states that emploers must:

• provide tiltable screens
• provide screen filters
• provide adjustable chairs
• provide foot supports
• make sure suitable lighting is available
• ensure workstations are not cramped
• inspect workstations regularly to make sure they meet health and safety requirments
• train employees to use the workstations correctly
• plan work at computers so people have regular breaks
• pay for regular eye tests for anyone who needs pescription glasses in order to use a computer

Employees are required to:

• use workstations and equipment correctly and follow the training provided by their employers
• inform their employer of any problems relating to Health and Safety as soon as they arise.