aqa ict for as © hodder education 2008 chapter 1 health and safety in relation to the use of ict...

AQA ICT for AS © Hodder Education 2008

Chapter 1Health and safety in relation to the

use of ICT systems


Health problems

Regular use of ICT equipment over a long period of time may lead to:

• repetitive strain injury (RSI)

• eye strain

• back problems


Health problems

Incidence of these problems can be reduced by taking sensible precautions:

• not using equipment for too long

• introducing adjustable chairs

• using wrist supports and screen filters.


The law says

Employers must:• provide adjustable chairs• provide adjustable screens• provide anti-glare screen filters• pay for appropriate eye and eyesight tests• plan work so that there are breaks from the

screen• provide information and training for ICT

users.


Software design

Software designers should:

• have clear screen layouts

• use muted colour schemes

• have readable text

• create help facilities and error messages

• use keyboard short cuts

• not have annoying sounds and flashing images


Symptom, cause, prevention

For each health problem, you should be able to explain:

• Symptom – what happens to the user?

• Cause – what has caused it?

• Prevention – how can it be prevented?


RSI

• Symptom – pain, stiffness and swelling in wrists

• Cause – repeated movements (typing or using mouse)

• Prevention – breaks, wrist rests, ergonomic keyboard


Eye strain

• Symptom – sore eyes

• Cause – staring at a screen for a long period

• Prevention – breaks, focussing on distant objects occasionally, good lighting, no glare


Back pain

• Symptom – pain in back, neck, ankles

• Cause – awkward sitting position, bad posture

• Prevention – correctly adjusted chair

aqa ict for as © hodder education 2008 chapter 1 health and safety in relation to the use of ict...

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