Does your job require working at a computer? Millions of people in the UK work in offices and spend most of their 8 hour workday at a computer. Health and safety concerns for this type of work might not seem as obvious as the immediate dangers associated with labour and trade jobs, but they are still very important. Computer health and safety is crucial for avoiding strain injuries and other risks associated with this type of work.
So what do desk workers need to know about computer health and safety? Here are some important things to keep in mind:
Reducing Physical Strain
Most people assume that working at a computer does not require any physical strain, but staying in one position for the entire day can be very hard on your body. It is important to set up your computer work station so that you are in the most ergonomic position to avoid stress on your neck, lower back, shoulders, wrists and eyes.
Adjust your chair so that the screen is approximately 18-30 inches away from you, depending on what feels the most comfortable. Use a high quality office chair with a supportive back so that you can comfortable sit upright. If you need extra support for your lower back there are special pillows that you can buy for your chair. Your feet should touch the floor while you are working and you’re your wrists should wrest comfortably and not be overextended.
Remember that every person is different in height and stature, so a generic office work station should be adjusted to meet your own particular needs.
Plugging in
If you work in an office where many computers, printers, telephones and other equipment are plugged into the wall, you might be familiar with the sight of a chaotic tangle of wires and cords sticking out of an overloaded adaptor. However, not only does this create a situation that looks messy, it can also be extremely dangerous. Overloading a plug can result in sparks that could be a potential fire or shock hazard. Also, unplugging devices can be much more confusing and dangerous.
Therefore you should invest in a large power adaptor with enough plugs for all devices and label your plugs so that you know what device they belong to. Keep the cords from tangling and keep the area clean and organised.
Taking Breaks
Sitting in the same position at a desk for several hours on end is hard on the body and increases the risk of physical strain and eye problems. An important computer health and safety practice to remember is to take frequent breaks and step away from the computer. Take a walk around the office, do some stretches or work on another task for a while. This will help to prevent headaches, back ache, eye strain and other issues associated with extended computer use.
These are just a few important computer health and safety tips to keep in mind so that you can avoid injuries and health problems when working on a computer at your job.
Computer health and safety is very important as it can help to avoid eye strain, backache and other health issues, as well as fire hazards.