Health and Safety and the use of ICT systems AQA Unit 1 Section 1 tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Health & Safety Problems Workers who use computers for long periods of time are susceptible to health problems. Many of these problems are avoidable. You need to be aware of what the problems are and how they can be avoided tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Repetitive Strain Injury Symptoms include stiffness and swelling in the wrists and other joints. RSI occurs if: 1. Users are carrying out repetitive tasks 2. Have positioned the keyboard so that they are at an awkward angle. 3. Are squeezing a mouse too tightly. 4. TUC data shows that 78% of younger workers have jobs that involve repetition and more that 2 million workers are forced to work in awkward positions. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

How to reduce RSI 1. Using a wrist guard whilst typing. 2. Ensuring users vary their work so they are not always in the same position 3. Using specially designed ergonomic keyboards tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Case Study [RSI] In 2006, 8 yr-old Isabelle Taylor from Lancashire, developed RSI after sending up to 30 texts a day for 2 years. Experts said that youngsters who overuse gadgets can suffer inflammation in the upper arms and wrists adding that the thumb is particularly susceptible. What advice would you give to Isabelles mother to reduce the risk of damage to her daughters health? tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Back Problems Sitting at a computer for a long period of time can lead to back problems. The symptoms are back pain or stiffness, possibly in the neck and shoulders. Back Pain occurs if: 1. Users use PCs for a long period of time 2. Adopt a bad posture 3. Have their seat at an incorrect height. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

How to prevent back problems Largest cause of disability amongst workers in offices. 1. Having an ergonomically, adjustable swivel chair that supports the lower back. 2. Adjusting the chair to the correct height. 3. Adjusting the VDU to the correct position 4. Using a footrest 5. Taking regular breaks [5 minutes every hour] tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Case study [back problems] Bad posture while sitting at a computer is more likely to lead to back pain than lifting and carrying heavy objects say the British Chiropractic Association. What should an employer in an office based environment, provide to its staff in order to prevent back problems? tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Eye strain Looking at a computer screen for a long time can lead to eye strain. The symptoms can include headaches and sore eyes Eye strain occurs if: 1. Lighting in the room is at the wrong level 2. The VDU is of poor quality and flickers 3. Text is too small to read easily. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

How to prevent [Eye strain] Having suitable lighting Fixing screens so they dont flicker Having appropriate blinds on windows to prevent glare Having regular eye tests to ensure vision is corrected tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Epilepsy Flickering screens can contribute to the frequency of attacks The use of low emission monitors and screen filters is likely to reduce the risk of triggering an attack tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Stress 9 out of 10 users say they are regularly annoyed by a computer related issue. Issues include: 1. Slow performance 2. System crashes 3. Viruses 4. Pop-up ads tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

How to prevent [Stress] Install correct hardware that is capable of meeting tasks Having a reliable support team Providing users with adequate support and training Going for a short walk to get fresh air. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Health, Safety and YOU! During this course, you will be using computer equipment for long periods of time. You should: Give yourself a 5 minute break every hour Focus on a distant object every so often and then back to the screen Ensure that you are not too cramped or sitting awkwardly. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Legislation Covered in Health and Safety Regulations 1992 Employers must take these measures: 1. Provide adjustable chairs 2. Provide screens that can be tilted 3. Provide anti glare filters if requested 4. Ensure work stations are not too cramped 5. Ensure room lighting is suitable 6. On request, provide and pay for eye tests for computer users. NB: these regulations only apply to staff in offices and not to students in schools/colleges tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

Design of New Software Designers need to be aware of users health when they design software. Screen layouts should be clear so that eye strain is minimised Colour schemes should not be too bright and should have good contrast to prevent eye strain Help facilities should enable learning to prevent stress Menu systems should be logical to prevent stress Drop down lists can reduce data entry so prevent RSI tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams