In the office workplace it is essential that all workers have a sound knowledge of computer health and safety. Computers and their equipment need to be used appropriately over time, otherwise health issues such as repetitive strain injury may result in employees being absent from work. If workers have sufficient knowledge of computer health and safety however, they will know how to make efficient use of their computer and work environment and thus prevent any potential injuries occurring.
Outlined below are a series of computer health and safety assessments that need to be carried out by those who sit at a desk and/or use a computer. If these assessments are carried out, potential risks can be highlighted and thus resolved.
1. Positioning of the chair
Each chair in the workplace should promote good posture and ensure maximum comfort. Computer health and safety guidelines state that chairs should support the lower back. It is also essential that chairs are a set distance from the screen monitor: 19 to 27 inches.
2. Layout of the desk
A working area should promote efficient working by being comfortable and stress-free.
3. Windows and lighting
The computer should not be situated in places where windows and lighting will affect screen visibility; any kind of glare on the screen will make it harder to work effectively. Yet if glare cannot be removed, computer health and safety rules suggest the purchase of screen filters. With knowledge of computer health and safety, each worker can check their screen regularly for brightness levels. If their work is affected by strained eye muscles, the worker can let their employer know.
4. The screen monitor
To ensure full computer health and safety the worker’s screen should always be positioned at eye level. Strain to eye and neck muscles is inevitable when the screen is not adjusted to eye level. Computer health and safety rules also mention that the screen should be wiped on a regular basis; screen visibility will be seriously affected by build up of dirt or smears on the screen. Workers should also be entitled to numerous breaks from the screen so that they don’t strain their eye muscles.
5. The keyboard
In order to follow computer health and safety instructions, the keyboard should be positioned above elbow level. Many workers use only the wrist to move the mouse when it should be moved by the whole of the arm.
6. Typing position
Many people are unaware of how much the typing position can increase risks of injury to all parts of the lower arm. Computer health and safety rules should be examined in regards to how the arms, wrists, hands and fingers should be positioned when typing.
7. Networks
EMF can seriously affect computer health and safety. This can be avoided by using wired networks as opposed to wi-fi or wireless networks.
8. Portable devices
Portable devices such as laptops are also brought into a workplace with static computers. Many are unaware that the same computer health and safety guidelines apply to these portable devices as much as they do to static devices (e.g. the worker with the portable device should also ensure that they have good posture and positioning like the worker with the static device.)
Additionally there are computer health and safety measures that have been formulated especially for portable devices, such as in how they are transported from place to place.
As a result computer health and safety measures are advantageous to workers and the employer. If workers are more comfortable and can avoid potential injuries, then they will be able to generate more business for their employer.
Computer training from iHASCO is interactive, simple to use and realistically priced. They have provided computer health and safety training programmes, videos and DVDs since 1993. Visit their website now to view their full range of training programmes.
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