1. Health and Safety

2. Computers and health
Not so long ago, computers were expected to release humans from the drudgery of boring and repetitive work
Nowadays, computers are deemed responsible for a whole range of health hazards
Stress
RSI
Eyestrain
ELF radiation
Backache
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

3. Stress Major factor in work-related illness
Ways in which computers put pressure on workers
They may be used to monitor performance
They induce fear and panic – particularly in older people
It can be impossible to escape them (Mobile phones, modems, laptops)
Information overload
Speed of development contributes to stress-related illnesses

4. RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)
Usually affects hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders and neck
Can develop to be very debilitating
Once it develops it tends to recur
HSE says more than 100,000 workers suffer to some degree

5. Eyestrain Long hours spent in front of a screen
No evidence that computers cause permanent damage
The following factors all contribute to at least temporary eyestrain
Glare
Improper lighting
Improperly corrected vision (wrong glasses)
Poor work practices
Poorly designed workstations

6. ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) radiation
Exposure to ELF is an everyday occurrence
Can occur naturally – sun, fire, magnetic effects
Research suggests that effects of ELF are increasing
Some studies try to link ELF to early miscarriages
No clear-cut results
There is evidence of some correlation between miscarriages and hours spent at a VDU
This could be due to other factors such as stress and workplace conditions
Ongoing controversy over mobile phones

7. Computers, Health and the law
Employers are required to
Perform an analysis of workstations in order to evaluate the safety and health conditions to which they give rise
Provide training to employees in the use of workstation components
Ensure employees take regular breaks or changes in activity
Provide regular eye tests for workstation users and pay for glasses

8. Computers, Health and the law
Employees have a responsibility to:
Use workstations and equipment correctly, in accordance with training provided by employers
Bring problems to the attention of their employer immediately and co-operate in the correction of these problems

9. Computers, Health and the law
Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products comply with the Directive. For example:
Screens must tilt and swivel
Keyboards must be separate and moveable
Notebook PCs are not suitable for entering large amounts of data

10. The ergonomic environment
Ergonomics refers to the design and functionality of the environment, and encompasses the entire range of environmental factors. Employers must give consideration to:
Lighting: office well lit, with blinds
Furniture: chairs of adjustable height, with tilting backrest, swivelling on five-point base
Work space: combination of chair, desk, computer, accessories, lighting, heating and ventilation all contribute to overall well-being
Noise: e.g. noisy printers relocated
Hardware: screen must tilt and swivel and be flicker-free, the keyboard separately attached
Software: should facilitate task, be easy to use and adaptable to user’s experience