What You Need to Work Efficiently at a Computer
Adjustable screen
(tilt, swivel, brightness, contrast)
Adjustable height of
Backrest on the chair.
Adjustable height. Footrest
How to Have Your Keyboard
- Adjust your keyboard to get a good keying position. A space in front of the keyboard is sometimes helpful for resting the hands and wrists when not keying.
- Try to keep your wrists straight when keying. Keep a soft touch on the keys and don't over stretch your fingers. Good keyboard technique is important.
Using a Mouse
- Position the mouse within easy reach, so it can be used with the wrist straight. Sit upright and close to the desk, so you don't have to work with your mouse arm stretched. Move the keyboard out of the way if it is not being used.
- Support your forearm on the desk, and don't grip the mouse too tightly.
- Rest your fingers lightly on the buttons and do not press them hard.
Reading the Screen
Adjust the brightness and contrast controls on the screen to suit lighting conditions in the room.
Make sure the screen surface is clean.
In setting up software, choose options giving text that is large enough to read easily on your screen, when you are sitting in a normal, comfortable working position. Select colours that are easy on the eye (avoid red text on a blue background, or vice-versa).
Individual characters on the screen should be sharply focused and should not flicker or move. If they do, the VDU may need servicing or adjustment.
Posture and Breaks
- Don't sit in the same position for long periods. Make sure you change your posture as often as practicable. Some movement is desirable, but avoid repeated stretching to reach things you need (if this happens a lot, rearrange your workstation).
- Frequent short breaks are better than fewer long ones. Make use of them.
If these simple necessities are explained to the users of the computer suite there will be no harm to health and they comply with the ergonomic environment to get it built. Every computer should be like the one in the diagram.
Legislation
In order for your computer suite to be built, The Health and Safety (DSE) regulations of 1992 must be followed.
Employers are required to
- Perform an analysis of workstations in order to evaluate the safety and health conditions to which they give rise.
- Provide training to employees in the use of workstation components.
- Ensure employees take regular breaks or changes in activity
- Provide regular eye test for workstation users and pay for glasses
Employees have to
- Use workstations and equipment correctly, in accordance with training provided by employers.
- Bring problems to the attention of their employer immediately and co-operate in the correction of these problems.
Lighting
The computer suite should be well lit but comply with the necessities above for no glare. See Reading the Screen.
Noise
Noisy printers, for example should be given covers to reduce the noise or positioned in a different room.
Conclusion
Working with computers is an integral part of life. Providing you use computers sensibly, there is no evidence they do any long-term harm to health. If the computer is not used or set up efficiently then problems such as repetitive strain injuries, backache, headaches and skin rashes may occur. Even radiation from VDU’s causes all sorts of problems including the possibility of disabling women from becoming pregnant. If your computer suite follows with this report, the laws and encompasses the entire range of environmental factors then there shall be no problems with the suite.
Bibliography
- Heinemann Information Systems Book
- AVCE Information and Communication Technology
Glossary
VDU-Visual Display Unit
DSE-Display Screen Equipment
