Health and Safety in ICT

What this unit covers

The unit centres on how using computers can affect the body and mind, and what people can do about it. Most of the page is mind maps, with notes, flashcard decks, a slide set and two quizzes alongside them. All of it was made by GoConqr users.

Where to start

Begin with the idea of ergonomics. The mind map Ergonomics defines it as the design of equipment to increase efficiency and promote the health of users. The mind map What does Ergonomic mean? adds that ergonomics is not limited to the workplace, and many objects in the home count too. The notes called Ergonomic give examples such as ergonomic chairs and keyboards.

Health problems and prevention

Next, move to the problems themselves. The mind map on common health problems associated with computer use looks at eye problems, bad posture and repetitive strain injury (RSI), and asks how each can be prevented. A separate map on RSI explains that it covers problems caused by frequently repeated movements. The map on preventing and treating computer related injuries sets out treatment and prevention side by side.

The notes on negative effects and ways to combat them go further, covering inactivity, obesity and the stress of being able to reach work at any hour. The wide mind map titled Health and Safety with The Law, Ergonomics, Physical Problems and Emotional Problems branches pulls these ideas together, including lighting, chairs, desks and employer obligations.

Using maps, flashcards and quizzes together

1. Read two or three maps and note the key terms.
2. Work through a flashcard deck such as Health and Safety Definitions.
3. Take a quiz, such as How to avoid damging yourself when playing games, and see which points you missed.
4. Go back to the map that covers the gap.

Many decks follow a chapter on health and safety at work, so check which one matches your course.

Where it sits

This unit belongs to the strand Security, Safety, Ethics and Society in the subject Computing and ICT. Teachers can set a map as a starter or a deck as a quick check.

Pick a map that matches what you are studying today, and see how much you can recall without looking.