Managing the Hazards - How to avoid getting sore when using your computer

Ross Thomson

We are all aware of the hazards involved with computer work including RSI, OOS, and eyestrain. However in the newly released "Guidelines for using Computers", ACC and the Department of Labour, detail six common factors associated with computer use that can help us to stop getting sore at work.

The Six Common Factors

These six factors have been arranged in a wheel shape because all of them have equal importance. It may at times be difficult to eliminate or isolate some hazards. Therefore, most of the controls listed in this article are minimization steps.

1. Organising Work

How work is structured and managed is one of the most important aspects affecting the use of a computer. The psychosocial stressors associated with computer use can be decreased by making sure work is well organized and well managed over time.

Well organized work should:

• Recognise the experience and capabilities of computer users and match these to work demands

• Ensure that there are sufficient resources and time to do the work

• Allow each user to apply a variety of skills and capabilities each day

• Give the computer user a sense of the contribution they are making to the organization

• Allow the user appropriate control over the priority, pace and procedure of work flow

• Ensure there is good two-way communication and feedback on task performance and management

• Provide opportunities for the user to develop their existing computer skills and build new skills

• Develop a supportive workplace culture through encouraging participation, initiative, cooperation, feedback and teamwork

2. The (physical) work environment

Maintaining the best possible work environment is essential to ensure the health and productivity of all computer users. Even if you have selected and arranged the furniture and computer equipment correctly, health issues may still occur if the work environment is poor.

Physical aspects of the work environment you need to consider include:

• Working space

• Location of workstations

• Lighting

• Décor

• Atmospheric conditions

• Noise levels

• Housekeeping

3. Postures and Practices

The postures and practices a person adopts throughout the day can have a significant impact on their risk of developing computer-related health issues. These risks can be reduced by maintaining good postural habits and working practices along with having an appropriate workstation set-up.

A workstation that is arranged for maximum efficiency and comfort in all respects should encourage computer users to adopt a range of well supported postures. Good working postures should include the following factors:

• Maintaining the body in neutral positions

• Feet fully supported

• Head positioned over shoulders

• Shoulders relaxed

• Wrists as straight as possible

(For a full comprehensive check you may need to engage a Workstation assessment specialist )

To prevent fatigue and discomfort, it is also important to organize computer work appropriately. Good working practices should include the following factors:

• Regular task breaks

• Micropauses

• Varying tasks

• Routinely swapping mouse use from one hand to the other

4. Furniture and Equipment

Furniture and equipment should be designed for use in a seated and/or standing position. Furniture design and organization should also encourage movement so that computer users are not regularly sitting in one position for long periods of time. Having a separate desk space for writing and reading allows the user to move and adjust their body position from time to time. The more easily furniture, especially desks and chairs, can be adjusted, the more easily computer users can be positioned appropriately.

Whilst an appropriate match between the person and the item of furniture is essential, special consideration should also be made in the case of shared workstations (hot desking) or when working from home.

5. The Computer Hardware

The computer hardware selection needs to be relevant to the tasks undertaken by the computer user. Some of the factors that should be considered are:

• Screen size,

• Screen placement,

• Need for Multiple screens,

• Different types of keyboard (including ergonomic styles),

• Type of mouse and other pointing devices,

• Arm and wrist rests,

• Laptop use and mounting on desk

6. Educating Computer Users

An important part of managing computer users and their work is ensuring that they are appropriately trained. Important components of a training programme should include:

• Work management that includes arranging or organizing work to avoid peak pressure

• The use, maintenance and adjustment of computer equipment and furniture to accommodate individual needs

• Computer skills training

• Good working postures

• Working techniques that include break management, micropauses and preventative exercises

• Recognising signs and symptoms of computer-related health issues

Summary

Working with computers is not without its potential health hazards. However when all the above described common factors are addressed in the workplace environment, any resulting discomfort, pain or injury should be kept to a minimum.
It is a good idea to include all the components mentioned above in a company's induction programme so that each new individual joining the company is familiar with these computer use issues.

The content for this article has been sourced from the new ACC and Department of Labour "Guidelines for using computers".

Ross Thomson is a Director of Joyworkz Ltd.

REFERENCES

ACC & Department of Labour (2010, Nov)
Guidelines for using Computers - Preventing and managing discomfort, pain and injury. (ACC 5637)