AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 Chapter 1 Health and safety in relation to the use of ICT systems

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 Health problems Regular use of ICT equipment over a long period of time may lead to: repetitive strain injury (RSI) eye strain back problems

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 Health problems Incidence of these problems can be reduced by taking sensible precautions: not using equipment for too long introducing adjustable chairs using wrist supports and screen filters.

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 The law says Employers must: provide adjustable chairs provide adjustable screens provide anti-glare screen filters pay for appropriate eye and eyesight tests plan work so that there are breaks from the screen provide information and training for ICT users.

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 Software design Software designers should: have clear screen layouts use muted colour schemes have readable text create help facilities and error messages use keyboard short cuts not have annoying sounds and flashing images

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 Symptom, cause, prevention For each health problem, you should be able to explain: Symptom – what happens to the user? Cause – what has caused it? Prevention – how can it be prevented?

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 RSI Symptom – pain, stiffness and swelling in wrists Cause – repeated movements (typing or using mouse) Prevention – breaks, wrist rests, ergonomic keyboard

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 Eye strain Symptom – sore eyes Cause – staring at a screen for a long period Prevention – breaks, focussing on distant objects occasionally, good lighting, no glare

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008 Back pain Symptom – pain in back, neck, ankles Cause – awkward sitting position, bad posture Prevention – correctly adjusted chair