 Under the Health and Safety Act 1974 employers and employees are responsible for ensuring their own safety and that of others.  This legislation applies to all work environments but we will be concentrating on only the ICT aspects of this Act.

 Health and Safety in ICT is covered by the ‘Display screen equipment regulations’  They cover:  Back pain and spinal damage  Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)  Eye strain and headaches Describe each of issues above: What are they, how can they be caused in an ICT setting and how might they be prevented?

 What can cause it?  How can it be reduced?

 Look at the diagram of a poorly designed workstation.  Suggest solutions to each hazard.

Adjustable height chairs with back support and 5 point caster based legs for support Monitors should tilt and swivel to prevent eye strain Keyboards should be adjustable in height to reduce rsi Enough space for documents and other equipment to prevent unnecessary strain Foot rest to help back support Wrist rest to reduce wrist strain.

Job Design:Training:  Working patterns should keep long periods at a workstation to a minimum.  Regular short breaks.  Workers need to understand risks.  And how to reduce them.  How to adjust furniture and equipment to ensure safe use.  Encouraged to change position regularly.  Understand importance of breaks even in pressured times.

 Also referred to as ‘upper limb disorders’  People who use computers often perform the same movements over and over again.  E.g. Repetitive use of a mouse and keyboard can cause aching of joints and muscular pains. How can we reduce RSI?

Keyboard:Mouse:  Height adjustable  Space in front of keyboard to position wrist and hands  Good typing habits, straight wrists, gentle touch  Ergonomic keyboard design  Wrist pad  Adjustable keyboard tray  Easy to reach and move  Loose grip  Wrist space  Alternative input devices may be used e.g. Trackball, or mic with voice recognition software.  Touch screens can be used but monitor position is important  OCR and OMR could be considered to reduce data input.

 Long periods of focusing on a screen can lead to eye strain and headaches.  Can be made worse by feeling of stress  Correct monitor position (tilt and height), away from reflections / glare and level with eye line.  Software design can also help to reduce eye strain.

 Risks caused by electrical wiring, ventilation, poor lighting and food and drink can apply to any workplace, not just in an ICT setting.  Do not use these as answers as they will be awarded no marks.  Focus on the risks associated in an ICT setting only.