The Main Risks of Using Computer

With the increase in computer/laptop use, a number of health and safety concerns related to vision and body aches and pains have arisen. The main risks associated with using computers/laptop include:

• Musculoskeletal problems
• Eye strain and a greater awareness of existing eye problems

Rashes and other skin complaints have also been reported, although it is thought these are caused by the dry atmosphere and static electricity associated with display units rather then by the display units themselves. There are potential risks from radiation though this is a contentious area.

Musculoskeletal problems

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

• Upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI) tenosynovitis 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

These types of problem can be caused by:

• Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the computer
• Inadequate lower back support
• Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time
• An ergonomically poor workstation set up

Eye strain

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

• Visual fatigue
• Blurred or double vision
• Burning and watering eyes
• Headaches and frequent changes in prescription glasses

Computer work hasn't been proven to cause permanent eye damage, but the temporary discomfort that may occur can reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job satisfaction. Eye problems are usually the result of visual fatigue or glare from bright windows or strong light sources, light reflecting off the display screen or poor display screen contrast.

Prevention is better than cure

Several relatively straightforward precautions can be taken by computer users to avoid problems.

Avoiding Musculoskeletal problems

General precautions to avoid musculoskeletal problems include:

• Taking regular breaks from working at your computer - a few minutes at least once an hour
• Alternating work tasks
• Regular stretching to relax your body
• Using equipment such as footrests, wrist rests and document holders if you need to
• Keeping your mouse and keyboard at the same level
• Avoiding gripping your mouse too tightly - hold the mouse lightly and click gently
• Familiarise yourself with keyboard shortcuts
  

It is also important to have your workstation set up correctly. Your workstation includes monitor, keyboard, mouse, seating, desk, and where appropriate, footrest (to enable you to put your feet flat if they would otherwise not reach the floor), wrist rest, and document holder. Monitors should:

• Swivel, tilt and elevate - if not use an adjustable stand, books or blocks adjust the height
• Be positioned so the top line of the monitor is no higher than your eyes or no lower than 20° below the horizon of your eyes or field of vision
• Be between 18 to 24 inches away from your face

Keyboards should:

• Be detachable and adjustable (with legs to adjust angle)
• Allow your wrists to be in line with your forearms so your wrists does not need to be flexed up or down
• Include enough space to rest your wrists or should include a padded detachable wrist rest
  
• Be placed directly in front of the monitor and at the same height as the mouse, track ball or touch pad

Chairs should:

• Support the back - and have a vertically adjustable independent back rest that returns to its original position and has tilt adjustment to support the lower back
• Allow chair height to be adjusted from a sitting position
• Be supported by a five prong caster base
• Have removable and adjustable armrests
• Have a contoured seat with breathable fabric and rounded edges to distribute the weight and should be adjustable to allow the seat pan to tilt forward or back

Tables and desks should:

• Provide sufficient leg room and preferably be height adjustable
• Have enough room to support the computer equipment and space for documents
• Be at least 900 mm deep(to make sure that it's strong)

Avoiding Eyestrain

Precautions that can be taken to avoid eyestrain include:

• Exercising the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying distances
• Blinking regularly
• Keeping the air around you moist - for example using plants, open pans of water or a humidifier (spider plants are said to be particularly good for this and removing chemical vapours from the air)
• Adjusting the screen height / seating so that when sitting comfortably your eyes are in line with the top of the monitor screen
• Adjusting the brightness control on your monitor for comfort
• Adjusting the contrast on your monitor to make the characters distinct from the background
• Adjusting the refresh rate of your monitor to stop it flickering
• Positioning monitors to avoid glare (silau) (e.g. not directly in front of windows)
• Keeping your monitor the screen clean
• Servicing, repairing or replacing monitors that flicker or have inadequate clarity
• Regular eye testing - do this at least once every 2 years and more frequently if necessary - especially if you are experiencing eye problems related to using display equipment. Indicate the distance from your eyes to the monitor to your optician and talk to them regarding special lenses or the use of bifocals.

Summary

Computers are an essential tool in the work of most organisations. Although problems can occur through their use, with the proper equipment, ergonomic workstation design, proper techniques and working practices, the risk of problems can be greatly reduced.

I hope this post can be useful..

Regards from the blog owner:

Bayu Atletiko YP

and the group:

Alifaldo Daffa D

Dyah Rizka P

Dzimash Thoqy EN

SMAN 10 MALANG SA

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