Health and Safety and the use of ICT systems

1. Health and Safety and the use of ICT systems AQA Unit 1 Section 1 tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

2. Health & Safety Problems • Workers who use computers for long periods of time are susceptible to health problems. • Many of these problems are avoidable. • You need to be aware of what the problems are and how they can be avoided tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

3. Repetitive Strain Injury • Symptoms include stiffness and swelling in the wrists and other joints. • RSI occurs if: • Users are carrying out repetitive tasks • Have positioned the keyboard so that they are at an awkward angle. • Are squeezing a mouse too tightly. • TUC data shows that 78% of younger workers have jobs that involve repetition and more that 2 million workers are forced to work in awkward positions. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

4. How to reduce RSI • Using a wrist guard whilst typing. • Ensuring users vary their work so they are not always in the same position • Using specially designed “ergonomic” keyboards tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

5. Case Study [RSI] • In 2006, 8 yr-old Isabelle Taylor from Lancashire, developed RSI after sending up to 30 texts a day for 2 years. • Experts said that youngsters who overuse gadgets can suffer inflammation in the upper arms and wrists adding that the thumb is particularly susceptible. • What advice would you give to Isabelle’s mother to reduce the risk of damage to her daughter’s health? tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

6. Back Problems • Sitting at a computer for a long period of time can lead to back problems. • The symptoms are back pain or stiffness, possibly in the neck and shoulders. • Back Pain occurs if: • Users use PCs for a long period of time • Adopt a bad posture • Have their seat at an incorrect height. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

7. How to prevent back problems • Largest cause of disability amongst workers in offices. • Having an ergonomically, adjustable swivel chair that supports the lower back. • Adjusting the chair to the correct height. • Adjusting the VDU to the correct position • Using a footrest • Taking regular breaks [5 minutes every hour] tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

8. Case study [back problems] • “Bad posture while sitting at a computer is more likely to lead to back pain than lifting and carrying heavy objects” say the British Chiropractic Association. • What should an employer in an office based environment, provide to its staff in order to prevent back problems? tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

9. Eye strain • Looking at a computer screen for a long time can lead to eye strain. • The symptoms can include headaches and sore eyes • Eye strain occurs if: • Lighting in the room is at the wrong level • The VDU is of poor quality and flickers • Text is too small to read easily. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

10. How to prevent [Eye strain] • Having suitable lighting • Fixing screens so they don’t flicker • Having appropriate blinds on windows to prevent glare • Having regular eye tests to ensure vision is corrected tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

11. Epilepsy • Flickering screens can contribute to the frequency of attacks • The use of low emission monitors and screen filters is likely to reduce the risk of triggering an attack tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

12. Stress • 9 out of 10 users say they are regularly annoyed by a computer related issue. • Issues include: • Slow performance • System crashes • Viruses • Pop-up ads tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

13. How to prevent [Stress] • Install correct hardware that is capable of meeting tasks • Having a reliable support team • Providing users with adequate support and training • Going for a short walk to get fresh air. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

14. Health, Safety and YOU! • During this course, you will be using computer equipment for long periods of time. • You should: • Give yourself a 5 minute break every hour • Focus on a distant object every so often and then back to the screen • Ensure that you are not too cramped or sitting awkwardly. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

15. Legislation NB: these regulations only apply to staff in offices and not to students in schools/colleges • Covered in Health and Safety Regulations 1992 • Employers must take these measures: • Provide adjustable chairs • Provide screens that can be tilted • Provide anti glare filters if requested • Ensure work stations are not too cramped • Ensure room lighting is suitable • On request, provide and pay for eye tests for computer users. tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams

16. Design of New Software • Designers need to be aware of users health when they design software. • Screen layouts should be clear so that eye strain is minimised • Colour schemes should not be too bright and should have good contrast to prevent eye strain • Help facilities should enable learning to prevent stress • Menu systems should be logical to prevent stress • Drop down lists can reduce data entry so prevent RSI tcowling 2009 based on Mott, Leaming & Williams