G061 - ICT Health Problems

Learning objectives:

By the end of this topic you should be able to:

• describe health problems related to working with ICT

• describe measures for avoiding health problems

ICT Health issues• there are various health problems associated with the

regular use of computers,

• employers must take steps to protect employees whose work involves the regular use of computers

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)• musculoskeletal conditions that affect muscles, tendons and

nerves within the neck, back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands.

• RSI is caused by repetitive movements - such as typing, using a mouse, using a game controller, texting

- moving the neck to change view.

• a study in 2008 showed that 68% of workers in the UK suffered from some form of RSI, - most commonly in the back, shoulders, wrists and hands.

• symptoms include tenderness, aches and pain, cramp, stiffness, weakness, tingling, numbness or swelling

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome• specific form of RSI which causes hand and wrist pain

- symptoms: tingling and numbness due to repetitive strain injuries involving muscles that cross over the

median nerve in the wrist

• typing can be a factor

Ulnar Neuritis• inflammation of the ulnar nerve in the arm

- caused by repetitive or constant pressure against the ulnar nerve at the elbow or wrist.

• symptoms: hand numbness or weakness or elbow pain

• keeping an elbow on the desk or at the incorrect height could contribute to ulnar neuritis.

Avoiding RSI, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome & Ulnar Neuritis

• take a 5 minute break from typing or sitting every hour

• use an adjustable chair,

• use wrist rest- keep wrists straight rather than bent

• use an ergonomic keyboard

Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT)• DVT is a blood clot in a vein (usually in one leg )

- caused by sitting in the same place for a long period of time

- such as on a chair using a computer

• can be fatal - if part of the clot breaks away and travels to the lung

- can cause a pulmonary embolism

• symptoms of DVT:- swelling of the leg

- pain or tenderness in the leg

- warmth in the skin of the leg

- red or discoloured skin of the leg

Avoiding DVT• avoid staying still for long periods of time

- by walking around for 5 minutes at least once every hour

• use foot rest• use adjustable chair

Lifestyle changes:• stop smoking

- smokers far more likely to suffer from DVT

• exercise regularly

Eyesight defects• eyes can become strained when looking at a computer

screen for a long period of time• symptoms: blurred vision, sore eyes, headaches & nausea

• eye strain can be made worse by:- poor lighting

- glare on the screen

- flickering screen

- text that is too small due to a very high resolution on a small screen

- changing focus regularly from a screen to the desk when copy typing

Avoiding Eyesight defects• take a 5 minute break from looking at the screen every hour• use diffused lighting• use a glare filter over the screen • use window blinds if necessary • tilt and swivel screens so they can be adjusted to the correct

position • use an adjustable chair so that the eyes can be level with the

screen • use a document holder

- to keep documents at the same level as the screen

Fatigue• tiredness can be caused by concentrating for a long

period of time• we tend to spend a long time working at computers

- this will lead to tiredness.

• when the eyes or body become strained, this can also make a person feel tired.

Avoiding Fatigue• take a 5 minute break

- from looking at the screen every hour

• use an adjustable chair - so that the eyes can be level with the screen

• use a document holder - to keep documents at the same level as the screen

• choose screens that tilt and swivel - so they can be adjusted to the correct position

Backache • biggest cause of back pain is bad posture while sitting

- particularly when using a computer.

• bad posture:- sitting with the shoulders twisted,

- the back bent over,

- arms stretched,

- neck bent

- legs in the wrong position

• sitting for prolonged periods of time also puts a strain on the back.

Avoiding Backache • take a 5 minute break from sitting every hour

• use an adjustable chair - sit with the correct posture

back straight, neck straight and elbows at right angles eyes level with the monitor

• use a foot rest to prevent stretching the lower back

• use a copy holder - to prevent repeated movements in the neck

Stress• occurs when a person is under too much mental or

emotional pressure• symptoms: problems sleeping, sweating, a loss of

appetite and difficulty concentratin

• use of ICT can lead to stress due to: - having to keep up-to-date with technological developments

- not knowing how to use software or hardware

- overload of information

- too many incoming emails requiring action

- a poor work-life balance when emails are accessed from home mobile phone calls are responded to outside of office hours

Avoiding StressEmployees should: •attend training for new hardware and software •prioritise which emails need action today

- flag other emails for follow-up at another time

•turn off the work mobile phone at home •avoid accessing work emails outside of work hours •let your manager know if you are feeling stressed

Employers: •check to ensure there is an appropriate work-life balance•workload is suitable for each employee