Health and Safety

Health and Safety

1. Problems

   • RSI
     • Conditions affecting the neck, shoulders, arms, wrists and hands. The employee use the same muscles to perform the same task each day.
       • Reduced by:
         • Taking regular breaks
         • Use a wrist rest under the keyboard
         • Use a foot rest
         • Change sitting position from time to time
   • Eyestrain
     • Caused by looking at a computer screen for too long. Leads to headaches, blurred vision and leads to discomfort meaning that less work is done.
       • Reduced by:
         • Anti-glare screens
         • Swivel bases so as to deflect light
         • Good lighting in office
         • Use blinds
         • Adjusting the brightness and contrast
   • Back Pain
     • Caused by sitting at a computer for too long. The person may suffer back pain or immobility
       • Reduced by:
         • Using adjustable chairs which allow for height adjustment and back rest tilting
         • Taking regular breaks and walking around to exercise muscles
   • ELF Radiation
     • VDUs can give out Extremely Low Frequency radiation which may cause illness if the user works in front of a screen for long periods of time.
       • Reduced by:
         • Taking regular breaks
         • Anti-glare filters
         • Low-emission screens

2. Ergonomics

   • Specialist equipment that is specially designed to be safe.
     • Ergonomically designed equipment includes:
       • A VDU that can be tilted
       • A separate keyboard with wrist supports
       • A chair with a backrest and adjustable height
       • Adjustable footrest

3. Employee and Employer Responsibilities

   • Employer:
     • All electricity switches, plugs, sockets etc. should be in good condition and regularly checked
     • Fire extinguishers should be instralled
     • Cables should not be trailing and bare wire should not be showing
     • Provide ergonomically designed equipment
   • Employee:
     • Should not eat or drink near computers
     • Must carry out any training provided
     • Must be aware of the company's Health and Safety policy
     • Use any ergonomically designed equipment provided