Online Services and Health and Safety

The Impact of ICT on Society (1)

Avoiding Musculoskeletal problems

1- Taking regular breaks from working at your computer .

2- Alternating work tasks.

3- Regular stretching to relax your body.

4- Using equipment such as footrests, wrist rests and document holders if you need to.

5- Keeping your mouse and keyboard at the same level.

6- Avoiding gripping your mouse too tightly - hold the mouse lightly and click gently.

2- Avoiding Eyestrain

Causes

1- Musculoskeletal problems

1- Exercising the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances.

2- Blinking regularly.

3- Adjusting the screen height.

4- Adjusting the brightness control on your monitor for comfort.

5- Adjusting the contrast on your monitor to make the characters distinct from the background.

6- Positioning monitors to avoid glare (e.g. not directly in front of windows).

7- Servicing, repairing or replacing monitors that flicker or have inadequate clarity.

8- Regular eye testing .

1- Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer.

2- Inadequate lower back support.

3- Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time.

4- An ergonomically poor workstation set up.

These can range from general aches and pains to more serious problems and include:

Upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) cubital and carpal tunnel syndrome - by far the most important as it can quickly lead to permanent incapacity

Back and neck pain and discomfort

Tension stress headaches and related ailments

2- Eye strain

The risks

Computer users can experience a number of symptoms related to vision including:

1- Visual fatigue.

2- Blurred or double vision.

3- Burning and watering eyes.

4- Headaches.

5- Changes in prescription glasses.

Ailments experienced by computer users

Online Services and health and safety

With the increase in computer use, a number of health and safety concerns related to vision and body aches and pains have arisen. Many problems with computer use are temporary and can be resolved by adopting simple corrective action. Most problems related to computer use are completely preventable.

1- Musculoskeletal problems.

2- Eye strain and a greater awareness of existing eye problems.

Done By: Asma Zahir Al-Maskari.

Grade: 12-B.

The Risks

Computer Health and Safety

It is important to seek prompt medical attention if you do experience symptoms including:

1- Continual or recurring discomfort.

2- Aches and pains.

3- Throbbing.

4- Tingling.

5- Numbness.

6- Burning sensation.

7- Stiffness.

Although it is unlikely that computer equipment will be dangerous in itself, it can be used in ways which can be a hazard to health of users.