Transcript Slide 1

Health and
Safety
when
using ICT
By the end of this lesson…
You will be able to:
• Know 3 health risks that are associated
with using ICT.
• Know at least 2 ways of preventing the
health risks.
• Understand what is meant by the term
“ergonomic” and look at how a suitable work
area is set up.
ICT Health and Safety
Working with computers for long
periods of time can cause many
different kinds of health problems…
• Back Problems.
• Eyestrain.
• Repetitive Strain Injury
(RSI)
Back Problems
Many computer users suffer serious back problems.
This is due to poor posture or an awkward position
sitting at a desk/computer.
Solutions to Back Problems:
• An adjustable chair to avoid awkward
posture.
• Sit with your back straight and head
up.
• Use a footrest.
Eyestrain
Eyes can become strained after staring at a computer
screen for a long time, particularly if working in bad
light or with a flickering screen.
Solutions to Eyestrain:
• Take regular breaks – do not work for
more than 1 hour at a time.
• Windows around you must have blinds
to avoid glare from the sun.
• Have regular eye tests.
Eyestrain can
lead to
headaches…
Repetitive Strain Injury
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is damage to the
fingers and wrists due to repeated movements over a
long period of time e.g. keying letters into keyboard.
Solutions to RSI:
• Keep your elbows close to your sides.
• Use wrist rests and avoid bending your
wrists.
• Take a break from typing per hour.
For the exams…
For the exams, make sure you
can name the 3 risks of using
ICT and give at least 2 ways
to prevent them!
Ergonomics
Ergonomic : An item designed to
work with the natural movement
of the human body.