Computer And your Health

Health Problems

• The law sets out the guidelines for the use of computers in the workplace.
• Health problems are (Eyestrain, – Repetitive Strain Injury, – Backache, – Psychological stress).

EyeStrain

• Eyes can become strained after staring at a computer screen for a long time, particularly if working in a bad light, in glare, or with a flickering screen.
• Fortunately, eyestrain is usually a temporary problem
• Symptoms : (Burning or itching eyes, Blurring or double vision, Headache, Nausea, Fatigue).

Solutions

• Use monitors which don’t flicker
• Have blinds at the windows so that the sun doesn’t shine directly on the screen
• Use suitable lights that disperse light evenly and don’t shine on the screen • Use a screen filter
• Keep your eyes at least 18 inches from the screen
• Regularly look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance
• Take regular breaks – at least 5 minutes break every hour
• Have regular eye tests and wear glasses if prescribed

Back Pain

• Many computer users suffer serious back problems.
• This is probably due to a poor posture or an awkward position while sitting at a computer.
• Some of the things that people can do to help

How to avoid back pain:

• Use a fully adjustable chair. The height of the chair and the seat position should be easy to change.
• Use footrests so that the legs are kept at a more natural angle
• Use an adjustable monitor. Position it so that the neck doesn’t have to bend \
• Take regular breaks and walkabout.
• Sit with the back straight and the head up, don’t slouch

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

• Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is damage to the fingers, wrists, and other parts of the body due to repeated movements over a long period.
• Symptoms: (aching, pain in arms/wrists even after rest, weakness, swelling, tenderness, numbness  pins, and needles or burning sensation
• In the shoulders and neck: (stiffness aching)

Causes & Solutions:

Typing or using the mouse for long periods

• Using too much force on your fingers when typing
• Using a poorly designed keyboard
• The workstation or chair is the wrong height so arms are in an unnatural position.

Solutions:

• Guarantee the right height is the workstation and the chair
• Use wrist rests to protect wrists.
• Sit close to your sides with your elbows
• 5 minutes break from typing every hour at least
• One of the primary causes of work-related disease is the tension induced by machine use.

• There are many different reasons why people become stressed at work. However, here is a list of some of the major causes brought about by the use of computers:

•        Most people are scared of machines, they don’t understand them and fear they would look foolish if they confess that they don’t know how to run one.

•        People fear that a robot will be able to replace them and they might lose their work.

•        Changes in the computer world change so quickly that the only way to keep up with new ideas, strategies, and equipment can be very stressful, particularly for older people.

•        The division between work and home life is becoming more complicated. Their supervisors or consumers will quickly reach people.

•        E-mail, Internet, and cell phones indicate, long as they leave the workplace, that people continue to work.

Things that must be considered when designing an office

• Avoid the use of single pendant lamps as they produce a glare on computer VDUs.
• Use fluorescent tubes with diffusers or that produce artificial daylight.
• Avoid the use of carpets made from artificial fibers as these cause static electricity.
• Windows should have adjustable blinds so that sunlight will not produce a glare on computer VDUs.
• Cables should be ducted and not allowed to trail across the floor. ‘
• Sufficient power sockets with surge resisters should be installed so that only one piece of equipment is plugged into each socket.