Chapter 5

State the safety issue that is most likely to occur for each of these causes.

(a) Spilling drinks on computer equipment

Electrocution

(b) Overloading sockets by plugging in too many devices

Fire

(c) Trailing cables across the floor

Tripping

(d) Placing a laser printer at the edge of a table

Heavy equipment falling and injuring people

State which health issue is most likely to occur from each description shown. Your answer must be different in each case.

(a) typing on a keyboard for long periods of time

Repetitive strain injury/RSI/carpel syndrome

(b) looking at a computer screen for a long time

Eye-strain/headache/neckache

(c) sitting with poor posture

Back-pain/back ache

Identify two appropriate IT-related causes for each of the health issues. Your answers must be different in each case.

(a) repetitive strain injury (RSI)

1 Prolonged use of a keyboard

2 Prolonged use of a mouse

—> Using a keyboard with a bad posture, Working in a cramped workspace

(b) eye strain

1 Staring at a computer screen for a long time

2 Glare / flicker on the computer screen

—> Dirt on the computer screen, Screen brightness does not match the room light brightness, Sitting too close to the screen, Top of monitor not in line with the eyes

Many devices in the home can connect to the internet. These are called smart devices.

Describe four benefits of using these smart devices

• Can control the heating from your smartphone so that you come home to a warm house

• Smart TVs allow programs to be recorded remotely

• Smart TVs allow view on demand via the internet

• Money saving due to reduced utility bills as heating is only turned on when needed

• Smart fridges allow food to be automatically added to the food order

• Increased sense of security in the home due to monitoring the CCTV remotely

• The smart device sends alerts to your phone/portable device

• Can control the power to devices from anywhere in the home therefore saves money

The developer spends a great deal of time using a computer. For each of the statements given, identify a health problem and describe a possible solution. Your answers must be different in each case.

(a) Using a mouse for a long period of time

Health problem

Repetitive strain injury

Possible solution

• Use a wrist rest

• Take regular breaks

• Use a trackerball/an ergonomic

• mouse

• Hand exercises

• Voice activated software

(b) Sitting for too long in one position

Health problem

Back problems

Possible solution

• Use a foot rest

• Take regular breaks

• Walk around/stand up

• Use an ergonomic/adjustable chair

• Sit with correct posture/with straight back

Microprocessor-controlled devices in the home have had positive effects on people’s lifestyles. One of the positive effects of using these devices is that we can now set a cooker to switch on whilst we are out so that we arrive home to a cooked meal.

Describe the positive effects of using other microprocessor-controlled devices in the home.

• Microprocessor-controlled devices reduce the need for people to do manual tasks at home

• People can use microprocessor-controlled devices for physical fitness tracking in the home

• People have more time to spend on leisure activities/shopping/socialising

• Increased sense of security as homes are protected with burglar alarms/smoke alarms/fire alarms

• Smart fridges can be used to improve healthy lifestyle/Smart fridges automatically order fresh food/Smart fridges reduce food waste

• Microprocessor-controlled devices can be set remotely using a smartphone

• Saves fuel as the heating/air conditioning is not on all day

• Reduces injuries by using microprocessor-controlled lights outside

Computers are being used in offices. Describe how the use of computers has affected the work of employees and their working patterns.

Max 5 marks

• The use of computers has reduced the number of office staff

• Computers can help office staff to be more productive

• More employees are working from home due to the increase in technology

• Computers can cause less productivity due to distractions

• Workers could be working longer hours

• De-skilling of staff

• Increase in training for staff as they need to learn new skills

• Increase in the number of blue-collar workers/supervisors

• Increase in the number of maintenance staff/technicians

• Higher security issues due to networking

• Less people work in offices

Max two marks

• Increase in part time/job sharing/compressed hours/flexible working/working from home

• Computers have allowed staff to work part-time/compressed hours/job

• sharing/flexible working/working from home

Must include points from both lists

Tick (✓) the most appropriate working pattern to match the following statements.

The introduction of computers into the work place has affected job patterns.

(a) Explain what is meant by part-time working.

Working fewer hours a week than full time staff

(b) Explain what is meant by compressed hours working.

Works the required hours in a week in a fewer number of days

(c) Employees working in an office use computers for prolonged periods of time. Describe the items that an employee should be provided with to help reduce the health problems related to prolonged use of computers.

• Wrist rest

• Ergonomic keyboards

• Ergonomic chairs

• Footrests

• Ergonomic mouse

• LCD/TFT/LED/anti-glare screens

• Voice activated software

• Adjustable monitors

(d) The office must be a safe working environment. State two physical safety issues that might exist from the introduction of computers.

• Tripping over trailing cables

• Fire caused by overheating computers

• Fire caused by overloaded sockets

• Electrocution caused by spilling drinks on the computer

• Electrocution caused by touching live wires

• Injuries caused by equipment falling

Many supermarkets now use the internet and allow customers to buy their products online. Explain, in detail, the effects that online shopping has had on supermarkets.

• Costs are reduced as less staff have to be employed in the store

• Less physical shops are required therefore the costs of running the stores are reduced

• The customer base is increased as the internet is global

• There are increased costs due to employing more drivers/staff in the packing departments

• Increased costs in setting up and maintaining the online shopping website

• Reduction in customer loyalty as customers tend to shop around

• Change in jobs from instore to delivery drivers//increase in delivery drivers/staff have to be re-trained

• Increased costs as employees have to be trained on new technology

For each of the following pieces of hardware, explain the strategies you would use to help minimise health problems.

(a) Monitor

• Use a flat screen monitor to reduce the eye strain

• Use matt finish/anti-glare screens to stop glare

• Use screens that can be tilted to reduce neck pain

• Use screens that have height adjustment

• Turn the monitor 90 degrees to a window to reduce glare

• Use LCD monitors to reduce screen flicker

• Use screen filters//lower the brightness

• Do not sit too close to the screen

• Use LED to reduce eye strain

(b) Keyboard

• Use wrist/hand rests to reduce RSI

• Use ergonomic keyboards to reduce RSI

• Use voice activated software to reduce the use of the keyboard

• Ensure correct posture when typing on the keyboard

• Take breaks/use stretching exercises

Microprocessor-controlled devices are used in the home. Describe, with examples, how using these devices can affect the health and fitness of their users.

This question is a cause and effect question

• Reduces the amount of time it takes to complete a task therefore gives the user more leisure time/time to do other things

• The user does not need to be present when the device is working therefore gives the user more/less exercise

• Allows the user to use interactive games devices therefore helps improves their fitness

• When the device does all the work it makes the user lazy

• Users are not doing as much manual work this can cause [a valid named health issue]

• Using computers/gaming machines/devices for long period this can cause [a valid named health issue]

If the candidate does not give two named devices with effects then max five marks

A company operates from 08:00 to 19:00, Monday to Friday. Full-time employees work a 40-hour week, starting at 09:00 and finishing work at 17:00. For each of the times worked by an employee, write down the most appropriate working pattern

(a) An employee works from 09:00 to 13:00, Monday to Friday

Part time

(b) An employee works from 09:00 to 19:00, Monday to Thursday.

Compressed hours

(c) The work of two employees combined is a 40-hour week; each work for two full days and a half day

Job sharing

(d) An employee works a full 8-hour day but has negotiated with his employer to complete this at some point between 08:00 and 19:00, each day.

Flexible hours

A road through a village has a speed limit of 45 kilometres per hour. The police are checking and recording the speed of vehicles passing through the village using measuring hardware and software, so they can produce a report of their findings

Explain the difference between measurement and control when using microprocessors

• Measurement is the monitoring/recording of physical variables without the microprocessor taking action

• Control is when the microprocessor takes action depending on sensor readings

Describe the role of the microprocessor in this scenario.

• Microprocessor reads the data

• Data/Speed limit is stored in the computer

• Divides the distance travelled by time taken between the readings

• The speed of the vehicle is then compared to the speed limit of the road

• The speed is recorded

• It sends the data for later processing

• Graphs are automatically produced of the number of cars speeding

When using computers people can suffer from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI).

(a) Describe the term RSI. Include in your answer the causes of RSI.

One from:

• Aches and pains in the hands and fingers

• Painful swelling of the wrist and fingers

Two from:

• Caused by repetitive movements

• Caused by holding a mouse and clicking the buttons repetitively

• Caused by constant typing on a keyboard

• Caused by sitting in a poor posture for a long period of time

(b) Identify the methods of reducing the effects of RSI

• Use of a wrist rest

• Use of a mouse rest

• Take regular breaks

• Exercise the hand and fingers

• Use an ergonomic keyboard/ergonomic mouse

• Arrange workspace so that it is not cramped

• Using an ergonomic chair

Many company computer network systems use WiFi as a communication system to help prevent the issue of tripping over trailing cables. For each of the following physical safety issues describe ways of helping to prevent them

(i) Fire

• CO2 fire extinguisher

• Don’t overload sockets

• Have fans/cooling system

• Use Residual Circuit Breaker/RCB

(ii) Electrocution

• Don’t bring drinks close to computers

• Cover/insulate live/bare wires

Choose two jobs where there has been a decrease in employment as a direct result of the introduction of computers.

Bus drivers, Car production, Delivery drivers, Fishermen, workers for retail stores, Payroll workers Programmers, Teachers, Website designers

• Car production workers

• Payroll workers

As a student you often use a computer screen. This could be a screen on a desktop computer, a laptop computer or even a smartphone.

Evaluate your use of computer screens, in terms of health risks, and explain any strategies you use to minimise these health risks

Problem:

• I avoid back and neck problems

• I avoid eye strain

• I avoid getting headaches

Strategies:

• Make sure the top of the screen is at eye level

• Make sure that I adjust the tilting screen correctly

• Take regular breaks

• Do neck/back exercises

• Make sure I use blue lens spectacles

• Use a screen filter

• Use a matt/anti-glare screen

• Turn the screen away from the window

• Use a computer screen for a short time/take regular breaks

• Have my eyes tested regularly

• Improve the lighting in the room

• Sitting further away from the screen

• Keeping the screen clean

• Position the screen to reduce glare

• Use a non-flickering screen/LED/LCD

• Turn the brightness down on the screen

The Internet of Things (IoT) is a computer network which allows users to control household devices remotely. It has many benefits, for example a user can turn on the house central heating via a smartphone. The IoT can use WiFi and Bluetooth which can cause problems regarding data security. Describe the methods that could be taken to protect the user’s data

• Change default name/usernames and passwords on the router

• Change the default privacy//use a strong privacy setting

• Disable features not in use

• Use strong WiFi encryption

• Separate the IoT from the home WiFi account

• Keep software/hardware up to date

• Avoid public WiFi networks

• Ensure firewall is operational

• Use anti-spyware/up to date anti-virus

• Use strong passwords

• Use unique passwords for each device

• Change passwords regularly

As a student you often use a computer keyboard. This could be a virtual keyboard or a physical keyboard on a desktop computer, a laptop computer or even a smartphone. Evaluate your use of computer keyboards in terms of health risks, and explain any strategies you use to minimise these health risks.

Health problem

• I can reduce Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

• I can reduce Cubital Tunnel Syndrome

• I can reduce neck/back pain

Strategies

Max six strategies

• Take frequent breaks

• Use hand exercises

• Not pressing the keyboard too hard

• Use software to reduce the pressure on the keys

• Use voice recognition/microphone

• Use predictive text//shortcuts

• Use ergonomic keyboards

• Use a wrist rest

• Lift the wrists up when typing

• Maintain a correct posture

Students often use IT equipment; therefore it is important to have a good physical safety strategy. Evaluate your own use of IT equipment, in terms of physical safety, and describe the strategies you will need to minimise the potential physical safety risks

• I always check whether wires are damaged/lose when I plug in my computer equipment ...This will reduce electrocution

• I always check whether sockets are safe/not broken when I plug in equipment ...This will reduce electrocution

• I only plug in one plug per socket ...This reduces the chance of fire

• I make sure all wires are fastened to the wall/placed under carpets/in ducts/Use wireless ...This reduces tripping hazards

• Check and install circuit breakers ...This reduces electrocution/fire hazard

• Make sure no drinks or food is brought near to computers ...This reduces electrocution

• I make sure computer vents are not covered ...This reduces the chances of fire

• I make sure all IT equipment is safely in the middle of desks/ make sure strong tables are used to store IT equipment/I don’t store IT equipment on high shelves ...To stop them falling on me and causing an injury

Describe the advantages, to both the company and employees, of changing work patterns due to the introduction of computers.

Advantages to employees

• Staff are more flexible when they work so they can carry out other activities

• Staff are more contented as they can work hours which suit their home life

• They can start later/earlier so they avoid rush hour in the morning, so they do not arrive stressed

• They can start earlier/work later to avoid rush hour in evening so cuts travel time

• Compressed hours can lead to longer holidays/weekends therefore staff more refreshed

• Part time working allows people with other commitments to work

• Job sharing allows a piece of work to be completed using the skills set of more than one worker therefore cutting stress

• Working from home allows employees to balance their home life

Advantages to the company

• Working from home allows the company to employ people from around the world

• Working from home allows the company to save costs by not needing large offices

• Helps employers retain their employees therefore cutting training/recruitment costs

• Flexi-time allows company offices to remain open longer

• Job sharing reduces training costs

To gain full marks there needs to be advantages to both the employees and the company

Choose two jobs where there has been an increase in employment as a direct result of the introduction of computers

Car production workers Cleaning staff Delivery drivers for retail stores Medical staff Payroll workers Secretaries Teachers Website designers

• Delivery drivers for retail stores

• Website designers

A mobile phone is used for communications, either for making phone calls or text messaging.

Chang is planning an expedition to the Southern Alps in New Zealand. There is often a limited mobile phone signal in these areas. He has set his phone up so that if there is an emergency he can communicate with the rescue teams using text messaging rather than making a phone call.

Give two advantages of using text messaging in this way.

• He may be tired/injured therefore text messaging is easier than trying to talk

• The text message is sent even though the sender’s phone is in limited signal strength

• Limited signal strength can result in a break of voice

• A text message is quicker to send

Geeta spends a great deal of time at work entering data into her computer.

State items of hardware that Geeta should be provided with to help avoid RSI when she enters data into the computer

• Ergonomic keyboard

• Ergonomic mouse

• Microphone

• Wrist rest