Health and Safety 🩺

Health and Safety at Work ect. Act

employers must provide a safe working environment for employees using computers

Safety issues

1. Food and drink near computers

2. Loose/ dangling cables

3. Uncontrolled air conditioning

Ways to prevent safety issues?

1. PAT testing and regular staff training/ drills

2. Safely organised with cable management, no trailing wires

3. Controlled air conditioning

4. Designated CO₂ fire extinguishers

5. No eating or drinking near computers

What is PAT?

Portable Appliance Testing which should be regularly caried out on hardware

Health problems

1. Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

2. Eye strain

3. Back pain

RSI

using the same muscle groups to perform repetitive tasks, affecting muscles and joints in neck, shoulders, arms etc

Reducing the risk of RSI

• Ergonomic keyboard and mouse

• Use a wrist rest

• Appropriate furniture (adjustable swivel chair)

Eye strain

over-exposure to computer screens leading to headaches, blurry vision and eyesight deterioration

Ways to reduce the risk of eye strain?

• Use anti-glare screens/ adjustable brightness and contrast

• Swivel based monitors

• Regular free eye tests by employer

Back pain

poor posture while sitting for prolonged periods leading to mobility problems

Ways to reduce the risk of back pain?

• Use chairs with height/ backrest tilting and adjustment

• Regularly exercise muscles

• Training to improve desk posture