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Health and Safety

Using a computer for a long period of time can affect your health in different ways. If you are aware of these effects then you can change them before they start to become a problem.

If you use a VDU a lot then you can strain your eyes if you are not careful. People who use computers a lot (as part of their job) should get their eyes checked regularly. One way to avoid eyestrain is to look out of a window at a distant object every once in a while. Many electrical appliances that use high voltages give out radiation while they are working. VDUs give out radiation at the back and sides and though most people think it is harmless it has been claimed that the radiation could cause damage to pregnant women.

Computer operators are also susceptible to backache mainly due to poor sitting position for long periods of time.

A good chair should have a high backrest that can be tilted to different angles and can be adjusted to different heights.

The seat of the chair should also be height adjustable. Castors on the chair enable it to move easily.

 a computer workstation

A good computer table, or workstation, should be fully adjustable. The VDU support should be adjusted so that the top of the VDU screen is level with the operators eyes - to prevent neck strain.

The table suppporting the keyboard should, ideally be separate to the VDU support and it should be adjustable so that the operator's arms are horizontal when the hands are on the keys.

The mouse and keyboard are probably the two items most used by the computer operator and, if used incorrectly, can cause damage to the fingers, wrists and forearms.

Wrist pads can be used for both mice and keyboards to support the wrists as operators use the computer. Much more important, though, is good positioning of the mouse and keyboard to prevent a cramped position.

Computers can be quite noisy ... and this can cause stress if you are locked in a small office with one. VDUs can give out quite a bit of heat as well - so air conditioning is often essential in an office.

You also have to be careful about the lighting in the computer room: any reflections from lights or windows on the VDU screen can cause eyestrain and headaches.

Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) has now been recognised as a common workplace injury. Any activity, if done often enough, can result in an RSI. In the past these injuries were given names like housemaid's knee (caused by kneeling down to scrub floors) or tennis elbow (caused by jarring the elbow joint). The risk of RSI can be minimised if a computer user is able to sit in a comfortable, upright position when working. To be able to do this they need adjustable chairs and tables, wrist pads, and footrests.

Of course, if you only use the computer for an hour or so in a school IT lesson (just as an example) then you should be OK.

Now answer these questions ...

  1. What should you check regularly if you use computers a lot ?
  2. Who are considered most at risk from VDU radiation ?
  3. Poor sitting position can give you what ?
  4. How high should the top of the VDU be ?
  5. What does RSI stand for ?

You scored out of 5 on that test
© 2003 J Ewart | S Peters