Health and Safety

What is the health and safety at work act.?

• Obliges employers to provide a safe working environment for employees using computers

• Companies should have a policy and employee’s made aware of its contents

Safety issues

1. Food and drink near computers

2. Loose/ dangling cables

3. Uncontrolled air conditioning

Ways to prevent safety issues?

1. PAT testing

2. Safely organised with cable management

3. Controlled air conditioning

4. Designated CO₂ fire extinguishers

5. No eating or drinking near computers

Health problems

1. Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

2. Eye strain

3. Back pain

Causes, problems, and ways to reduce RSI?

• By using the same muscle groups to perform repetitive tasks

• Range of conditions affecting muscles and joints in neck, shoulders, arms and hands

• Ergonomic kb+m
  Wrist rest
  Appropriate furniture- adjustable swivel chair

Causes, problems, and ways to reduce eye strain?

• Common problem caused by over-exposure to computer screens

• Can lead to headaches, blurry vision, and eyesight deteriation

• Use anti-glare screens/ adjustable brightness and contrast
  Swivel based monitors
  Regular free eye tests by employer

Causes, problems, and ways to reduce back pain?

• Related to poor posture while sitting for prolonged periods

• Can lead to mobility problems

• Use chairs with height/ backrest tilting adjustment
  Regularly exercise muscles
  Training to improve desk posture

What is PAT?

Portable Appliance Testing
should be regularly caried out on hardware