This document outlines several health and safety issues that can arise from computer use and provides recommendations to prevent related injuries: 1) RSI can result from prolonged uncomfortable postures, tasks without breaks, and a poor work environment. Proper ergonomics like correct keyboard/mouse placement and regular breaks can prevent RSI. 2) Loose wires should be tucked away to avoid tripping hazards, especially long scanner wires. Taping wires to the floor can prevent trips if laying flat isn't possible. 3) Bags left behind chairs in high-traffic areas can cause trips if not properly stored under chairs. Extra care is needed in crowded classrooms. 4) Prolonged screen use risks

1. Health and Safety Issue How can you prevent it?
RSI (repetitive strain injury) Making sure your area is set out properly and that your mouse and
keyboard are the correct distance apart etc. for you. Taking regular breaks
will help prevent RSI greatly.
A government health and safety executive publication on RSI’s explains that
uncomfortable working postures, carrying out tasks for long periods of time
without rest and a poor working environment can cause RSI. Under the
Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and
Safety at Work Regulations 1999 I must ensure I have break periods, a sound
working environment and my equipment spaced out correctly. If I do not do
this I or anyone else working with me could become injured.
Danger of tripping over wires I need to ensure my workspace is set up safely and that all lose wires are
tucked away so no on could trip over them. This may become more
important when I am using the scanner as this has long wires that must run
from the scanner to the computer, possibly becoming a trip hazard. Ways of
preventing an accident could be making sure the wire doesn’t touch the
ground or if this is unavoidable taping the wire to the floor so it cant be
tripped over.
Danger of tripping over my bag. I sit next to the door in the classroom so if I leave my bag behind my chair
and not properly tucked away under my chair It could be tripped over by
myself or another person in the room. Because of my place in the classroom
more people walk past me when entering or exiting the room so I must be
extra careful that I put my bag out of the way.
Danger of hurting eyes with screen If I am working for a long period of time on a computer then there is a
danger that I will damage my eyes. I must comply with the Display
Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 to ensure that I am safe. These
things include having a working monitor as an out of focus or
flickering one can cause harm to my eyes when reading from it and to
adjust brightness and contrast levels to suit the lighting in the room.

2. Government publication on Upper Limb Disorders (RSI)- http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/indg171.pdf