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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.