human health and safety
what are your obligations to your people?
Computers, if used incorrectly, can be bad for a person's health. As you know, people are your most precious resource in your organisation, so you need to look after them. Below we will look at some of the risks relating to computer health and safety and some ways to lessen these risks.
Tip
There are also legal obligations you have as an employer relating to occupational health and safety (or OSH). Refer to Keeping it Legal (Fact Sheet 10) for further details — www.keepingitlegal.net.nz.
what are the risks from using computers?
The main risks from using computers include:
- eye strain and a greater awareness of existing eye problems (e.g. blurred vision, burning eyes, headaches, frequent changes in prescription glasses)
- musculoskeletal problems(e.g. back and neck ache, upper limb disorders also called repetitive strain injury or RSI, tension stress headaches).
Rashes and other skin complaints have also been reported. But these probably relate more to the atmosphere surrounding a computer screen — dry and full of static electricity — rather than from the screen itself.
what causes these problems?
Eye strain usually results from visual fatigue or glare from bright windows or strong light sources, light reflecting off the display screen or poor display screen contrast. There is no proof that eye strain causes permanent eye damage but the temporary discomfort may reduce productivity, cause lost work time and a reduction in job satisfaction.
Musculoskeletal problems can be caused by bad posture while using the computer, inadequate lower back support, sitting in the same position for too long and poor workstation set up.
how can these problems be avoided?
Eyestrain can be avoided by:
- exercising the eyes every now and then by looking away from your screen toward other objects at various distances away
- blinking regularly
- keeping the air around you moist (e.g. by having plants)
- adjusting your screen height or seating so that your eyes are in line with the top of your screen
- adjusting the contrast or brightness control on your monitor
- positioning your screen to avoid glare
- keeping your screen clean
- repairing or replacing screens that flicker or aren't clear
- regular eye testing — at least once every 2 years.
Musculoskeletal problems can be avoided by:
- ensuring your workstation is correctly set up
- taking regular breaks from your computer (e.g. a few minutes at least every hour)
- doing regular stretching exercises
- alternating your work tasks
- keeping your mouse and keyboard at the same level
- NOT gripping your mouse too tightly and using keyboard shortcuts as much as possible to avoid overusing your mouse
- using necessary equipment such as document holders, wrist rests, footrests.
computer health and safety checklist
Although an employer has legal responsibilities for their staff's health and safety, there are practical measures we as individuals can all take to avoid harming our own health. Take some personal responsibility and check out the following computer health and safety checklist which provides a useful self-assessment of your computer and workstation — www.lasa.org.uk/knowledgebase/pages/vdusafetycheklist.shtml.
Tip
If you do experience health problems from using your computer, seek prompt medical attention and have a proper workstation assessment carried out by a health and safety expert.
Back to top