Health Risks of Computer Work Responsible Operations Project Fall 2009 Management 120

Changing Nature of Work It seems like today we are always at a computer. We use it to communicate with friends and family, play games, read the news and watch TV, just to name a few. The work place is no different. Constantly reading and answering emails or looking at spread sheets, we never get a break from it. There are many injuries on the rise due to the development of increased computer work. The following slides will discuss a few of the most relevant injuries related to working at computers and offer some solutions for companies to ensure the safety of their workers while they are in the office.

The Risks Repetitive Strain Injury Computer Vision Syndrome Technostress

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) RSI is a term used to describe any soft tissue injury. This is the most common workplace injury Symptoms include: Numbness in areas of the hand, wrist or elbow. Soreness in the back , upper arms and shoulders. Loss of movement in hands and fingers Common causes: Small repetitive movements Muscle tension Improper Biometrics or Ergonomics Poor Posture

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Prevention and Treatment As an individual one can prevent RSI by practicing using body movements in a more efficient less stressful way. Good posture is essential for avoiding back and neck strain. Hydration, nutrition and movement are three very important factors when it comes to dealing with any part of the body. For more immediate results one might turn to anti-inflammatory medication. For a managers perspective it is important to educate employees about dangers of injuries and teach them the above suggestions for prevention. Here are a few other tips: Ensure proper biometrics of work station Allow breaks from computer work for other types of work Encourage employee to leave work station for breaks to stretch Offer regular professional message treatment for sore muscles

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Here is an example of the ergonomics of a proper work station (http://www.stkildaroadchiropractic.com.au/ergonomics.html)

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Refers to the eyestrain condition related t to computer display screen use. Symptoms include: Eyestrain Headaches Blurred Vision Dry Eyes Common Causes: Poor Lighting Glare From Computer Screen Improper Viewing Distances Uncorrected Vision Problems

Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) Prevention and Treatment Location of computer and other visual reference material one may be working off of. Computer should be easily seen looking slightly downward with any reading material below monitor but above keyboard. Lighting should not be in person’s eyes or glaring off of computer screen. Managers might thing about using anti-glare screens even. Be sure to take breaks to rest your eyes from looking that the computer screen and always remember to blink! Treatment for actual eye injury is done by professionals. Many people find out they require correctional eyewear for computer use if they don’t normally wear it or if they have a prescription they may need another one specifically for computers. Vision therapy is also used to help coordinate eyes and brain.

Technostress stress induced by computer use The first two computer related conditions focused on physical injuries common to working with computers. With technology changing daily humans are always racing to keep in order to maintain efficiency. Managers need to focus on the way people handle these changes.

Technostress Causes and Prevention Causes (and we’ve all dealt with these) Slow computing System shutdown or failure inadequate or incompatible software or hardware Lack of computer expertise Lack of skills, such as typing Symptoms include obvious things such as frustration, irritability, loss of motivation, even depression. This type of stress not only affects the person experiencing is but others around them as well. The person might expect others to work like computers in a quick timely manner and become impatient with them. This can all have a major affect on the organization.

Technostress It is just as important, if not more important for managers to look after the mental well being of the employees while keeping them physically well. Some solutions offered to managers who work in offices with high computer use and knowledge include: extensive proper training professional IT help adequate software and hardware Other things on a more personal level may include: breaks away from computer a mix of simple and difficult tasks for one to complete how they want stress relieving activities as technostress may be just one type of stress the employee is faced with

Conclusion Managers must create an environment that is safe for the employee. The injuries discussed in this PowerPoint are ones that usually develop over time so there is not a immediate sign of it and the cause may not be completely obvious. Just a few adjustments to an employees desk may save the from painful injuries. They may not seem like much but it will make a big difference and your company will save money in the long run when they don’t have to pay compensation. Employees must be armed with knowledge from training to prevent some injuries themselves. working all day everyday in the same position at a computer has no benefits to the individual, physically or mentally. The manager should make note of that and look out for the well being of each employee by enforcing proper procedure.

Works Cited "Assessing and Managing Technostress." University of North Alabama. Web. 07 Dec. 2009. <http://www.una.edu/psychology/alatalk.htm>. "Computer Vision Syndrome." American Optometric Association - Serving Doctors of Optometry & their Patients. Web. 07 Dec. 2009. <http://www.aoa.org/x5253.xml>. Repetitive Strain Injury Solutions - Home. Web. 07 Dec. 2009. <http://www.rsi-solutions.net/>.