Creating a safe workplace Ian Ramsey C of E School GCSE ICT Smart working Creating a safe workplace

Starter: Make a list of all the health and safety issues you can think of that are associated with prolonged use of computers: Health issues Safety issues Back Pain Electrical Faults Eye Strain Wires – tripping hazard RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson you will be able to: understand the common health and safety problems associated with computer use (either in a workplace or a home office) understand how to avoid the health problems associated with computer use understand how a well-designed workspace can prevent some of these problems link common health problems with their possible causes explain ways of preventing computer-related problems

Chapter Overview: This chapter is about how advances in technology allow people to work from home and run businesses from home. In it you will be looking at: health and safety concerns mobile broadband ways of working collaboratively, including video conferencing, VoIP, online workspaces, wikis and online forums software available and how to choose what’s most appropriate backing up data in case of emergency communicating with customers running a business online.

Computer related health problems: Cause Back pain Sitting incorrectly for a long time. Eye strain Staring at the screen for too long. Repetitive strain injury (RSI) Doing the same thing again and again (e.g. typing or moving a mouse). It causes stiffness, pain and numbness, usually in the joints of the arm, wrist or hand. Stress A feeling of not being able to cope, for example because of too much work, poor relationships with colleagues and a lack of support from employers.

…. and some ways to avoid them: Breaks – people working at a computer must have frequent breaks to help prevent health problems. Users are advised to take 30 second micro-breaks every 10 minutes. Look away from the screen, stretch, change your position, move your feet, lift your arms and adjust your hips. Training – employers need to train their staff on how to use work stations correctly, to help prevent injury. It is a legal requirement for employers to display a health and safety poster produced by the HSE. The poster tells workers what they and their employers need to do in simple terms, using numbered lists of basic points. Eye care – Employers have to pay for regular eye-sight tests for anyone who needs prescription glasses in order to use the computer. If the employee needs glasses to correct their eye sight, then the employer has to make a contribution to the glasses. Did you know? In 2008, 34 million work days were lost (1.4 days per worker) due to work-related illness and injuries.

A well designed work station Ergonomics: Ergonomics is the science of designing equipment so that it reduces the user's fatigue (tiredness), discomfort and injury. Ergonomics is used to design objects in the workplace, such as keyboards and chairs, to provide safety and comfort for the worker A well designed work station

Safety considerations: Here are some sensible rules for an ICT classroom. Explain why each is necessary. Rule Why it is necessary? Students must not drink in the ICT room It can spill and cause an electric shock Bags must be stored safely People could trip over them Report any electrical faults of loose wires The computer could start a fire, and ‘report’ to not put yourself in danger Do not attempt to clear a paper jam from the printer It could start working and harm the person’s hand.

Other safety considerations: Electrical sockets must not be overloaded with too much equipment, as this could be a fire hazard. Storage space to keep things out of the way is a good idea so that things are not left lying around to be a tripping hazard. Clean workspaces regularly to kill bacteria and viruses. Keep food and drink away from the computer as spills over electrical equipment can cause an electric shock, short circuit or even a fire. Good ventilation will keep the air flowing in a room and prevent it becoming too hot. Smoke detectors and fire extinguishers should be regularly checked.

Health and safety task: For each computer user working in an office, explain what might be wrong and recommend a remedy. What might be wrong? What should be done? Jill has neck ache Sitting incorrectly Fully adjustable chair Dean is stressed by the large number of e-mails he is receiving He’s getting lots of junk mail Block them Susan’s knees are hurting The chair is not adjusted correctly Either get a footrest or adjust the chair Ryan squints at the computer screen He needs glasses The employer should pay for him to get an eye test Eleanor does not know how to use the equipment on her desk She has been trained in how to use the equipment Her employer should train her in how to use everything Gary suffers from constant back pain Adjust the chair Jamie gets hot and sweaty in the office The room is not ventilated Add good ventilation to help the air flow

Knowledge check State 3 health problems commonly associated with computer use. Answer: Back Pain, Eye Strain, RSI What does ergonomics mean? Answer: The design of computer furniture and equipment to make it safer and more comfortable When sitting at a work station what should you consider to maintain a comfortable position? Answer: Screen 45cm away from eyes, footrests, fully adjustable chair, 2.5m squared per person, screen level at eye level or just below and a wrist rest support. Also take micro breaks for 30 seconds every 10 minutes, to just stretch and get more comfortable