The use of computers has transformed our lives. We use the technology at work to communicate, to store data, to produce reports and projects while at home we shop, read and play on our computers. But are they safe?
This seems a rather dramatic question to ask but, using a computer for long periods can cause damage to sight, and sitting at a computer can cause work injuries to the back, neck and shoulders, particularly when using a laptop. However not all people suffer any problems after using a computer and visual display units (VDUs) as they don’t give out harmful levels of radiation and rarely cause skin complaints. But should you experience any ill effects, it could be the way the computer is being used rather than the equipment itself. Injuries to the neck, back and shoulder could be caused be repetitively clicking the mouse, or having the VDU in an unsuitable position, or viewing it without taking short frequent breaks. Two related types of injury include Repetitive Strain Injury and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is not a life threatening injury but can be painful and limiting. Symptoms include :
* Pains or tenderness in your muscles or joints
* Throbbing sensation in the affected area
* Tingling (pins and needles) or numbness in your hand or arm
* Loss of strength or sensation in your hand
The NHS warns that, “If left untreated, the symptoms are likely to persist, causing pain or aching much of the time. You may also have tender swelling in the affected area, which can last for several months.” To treat RSI, breaking up the repetition and resting the muscles will ease the pain and prevent the injury to persist. It is important to recognize the symptoms early because if the acts causing the injury continue, the effects can be irreversible.
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) is a condition in the Carpal Tunnel which runs from the bottom of your wrist to your lower palm. According to the NHS, “CTS is caused when the space inside the tunnel shrinks, placing pressure on the median nerve. Compression of the nerve results in symptoms of pain and numbness… and a burning or tingling sensation in your hand and fingers.” If left untreated, CTS can lead to permanent nerve damage.
To avoid these injuries while taking advantage of this vital computer technology, employers should follow the guidelines from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE): look at VDU workstations and assess and reduce any risks; make sure that workstations meet safety requirements; plan work so there are breaks or changes in the type of work done; arrange for an eye test if an employee needs one; provide health and safety training and information.
Breaks are a necessary requirement to help avoid injury, and keep eyes alert and active. According to the HSE, there is no legal limit to how long you should work at a VDU, but under health and safety regulations you have the right to breaks from work when using a VDU, these breaks can include completing a different type of work rather than using a computer.
Guidance from the Health and Safety Executive suggests it’s better to take shorter breaks more often at your workstation than longer breaks and less often (eg a 5-10 minute break after 50-60 minutes continuous screen and/or keyboard work is likely to be better than a 15 minute break every 2 hours). But if your job means spending long periods at a VDU (eg data input), then longer breaks from your workstation should be introduced.
The HSE recommends that when working at a VDU you should make sure you can sit in a comfortable position, and keep a good posture. Your eyes should be level with the screen. Make sure you have enough space and don’t sit in the same position for too long. If you’re disabled, your employer’s duty to make reasonable adjustments for you may mean that they will provide you with special computer equipment (or alter existing equipment) to suit your needs.
Preventing injury should be important to both employee and employer. If the employee has any symptoms of RSI or CTS or believes that their working environment is unsuitable, they have a duty to inform their employer.