5.2 Health issues

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)


  Pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by continuously making the same movements
• Repetitive strain injury (RSI)


  • Mostly occurs in forearms and elbows, wrists and hands, neck and shoulders
  • Can be caused by using a keyboard and mouse for long periods or poor posture due to not adjusting a chair or monitor correctly
• Health and safety experts have said that there is no evidence that using a computer is harmful to individual's health when used correctly
• The use of computers may, however, make worse any pre-existing medical conditions and can lead to muscular and other physical problems
• Most problems are caused by bad posture when using a computer
• To reduce the risk of safety issues when using a computer

  1. Adopt a good posture

  2. Use an ergonomically designed keyboard

  3. Take regular breaks

  4. Use the mouse as little as possible, for example, by using keyboard shortcuts. Alternatively, using a wrist support or ergonomic mouse can help
• Back problems


  • Back pain: caused by working for too long without taking a break and sitting in front of a computer with a bad posture
  • Back injuries caused by moving equipment: many injuries are caused by moving heavier items of computer hardware, for example, desktop computers, monitors and printers
• Eye strain


  • Headaches, watery eyes, dry eyes and double vision can be caused by staring at a computer screen for too long
• Headaches


  • Headaches from computers are often caused by computer vision syndrome (CVS). If you spend extended periods of time on your computer you might get a headache due to glare on the screen, poor lighting in your workspace, improper computer brightness and colour, or a combination of these factors
• Stress


  • Headaches can also be caused by stress. A computer user may become stressed when: The computer malfunctions, The software does not carry out the functions expected, The user is rushing as they have too much work to do
• To reduce the risk of safety issues when using a computer

  1. Adjust the chair to suit body type and height

  2. Adjust the height and angle of the screen

  3. Use a chair with a lumbar support and adjust it to suit body type

  4. Adjust the desk by bringing it closer or further away

  5. Use correct lifting techniques such as: Reducing the amount of twisting, stooping and reaching, Planning the lift to reduce the distance as much as possible, Avoiding lifting from floor level or above shoulder height, especially for heavy loads, Asking others to help

  6. Taking regular breaks

  7. Adjusting the brightness and contrast of the monitor

  8. Using suitable font and icon sizes

  9. Using suitable lighting in the room, for example, prevent sunlight hitting the screen

  10. Take frequent breaks from the computer

  11. Work in a properly lit area

  12. Reduce computer screen glare

  13. Clean the computer display

  14. Keep hardware up to date and well maintained

  15. Keep software updated

  16. Ask for software training

  17. Take regular breaks

  18. Ask colleagues for help with the work

  19. Admit if it is too much for you