This document discusses several potential health issues related to computer use including stress, repetitive strain injury, eyestrain, and exposure to electromagnetic fields. It notes that computers can be a source of stress for workers and prolonged computer use may lead to repetitive strain injuries or eyestrain. While exposure to electromagnetic fields from computers is common, the health effects are still being researched. The document also outlines responsibilities of employers, employees, and manufacturers to address ergonomic issues and minimize health risks from computer use.

1. Health and Safety

2. Computers and health Not so long ago, computers were expected to release humans from the drudgery of boring and repetitive work Nowadays, computers are deemed responsible for a whole range of h ealth hazards Stress RSI Eyestrain ELF radiation Backache

3. Stress Major factor in work-related illness Ways in which computers put pressure on workers They may be used to monitor performance They induce fear and panic – particularly in older people It can be impossible to escape them Mobile phones, modems, laptops Information overload Speed of development contributes to stress-related illnesses

4. RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) Usually affects hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders and neck Can develop to be very debilitating Once it develops it tends to recur HSE says more than 100,000 workers suffer to some degree

5. Eyestrain Long hours spent in front of a screen No evidence that computers cause permanent damage The following factors all contribute to at least temporary eyestrain Glare Improper lighting Improperly corrected vision (wrong glasses) Poor work practices Poorly designed workstations

6. ELF (Extremely Low Frequency) radiation Exposure to ELF is an everyday occurrence Can occur naturally – sun, fire, magnetic effects Research suggests that effects of ELF are increasing Some studies try to link ELF to early miscarriages No clear-cut results There is evidence of some correlation between miscarriages and hours spent at a VDU This could be due to other factors such as stress and workplace conditions Ongoing controversy over mobile phones

7. Computers, Health and the law 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 tests for workstation users and pay for glasses

8. Computers, Health and the law Employees have a responsibility 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

9. Computers, Health and the law Manufacturers are required to ensure that their products comply with the Directive. For example: Screens must tilt and swivel Keyboards must be separate and moveable Notebook PCs are not suitable for entering large amounts of data

10. The ergonomic environment Ergonomics refers to the design and functionality of the environment, and encompasses the entire range of environmental factors. Employers must give consideration to: Lighting: office well lit, with blinds Furniture: chairs of adjustable height, with tilting backrest, swiveling on five-point base Work space: combination of chair, desk, computer, accessories, lighting, heating and ventilation all contribute to overall well-being Noise: e.g. noisy printers relocated Hardware: screen must tilt and swivel and be flicker-free, the keyboard separately attached Software: should facilitate task, be easy to use and adaptable to user’s experience