Health Hazards with Computer Usage
Sizable number of people stayed glue to their computers for hours daily; this makes them prone to several health problems related to using computer. These hazards are however avoidable if appropriate safety
measures and health precautions are put in place while working on the system.
The health hazards associated with computer use are grouped in two forms: (1) Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTD’S) These involve harms done to the individuals from the actual use of the computers.
(2) Electromagnetic Hazards: these are harms done to the individual from electricity and the computers electromagnetic fields.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs) Not unexpectedly, working on a computer for long periods of time can cause inflammation of tendons, nerve sheaths and ligaments and damage to soft tissues. Depending on an individual’s sensitivity to the repeated movements of keyboarding, the cumulative effect can be disabling. Resulting conditions are called cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs).
Common types of forearm and wrist CTDs from computer use are carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis (these affect the hands’ tendons, causing painful swellings on the palms) epicondylitis (elbow joint’s pain), and tendonitis (painful swelling of the affected tendons in the body).
If one experiences pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in muscles or movement of arms, hands, and fingers, it could be a sign or symptom of one of the computer-related disorders.
Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems Pain and stiffness at the back, neck and shoulder can occur from improper placement of the computer monitor, mouse or document one is working from. If these items are not placed correctly, the muscles of your neck and shoulders are constantly working to keep the head and arms in an awkward position.
Problem can also arise from phone use while typing on the keyboard can also contribute to neck and shoulder pain from cradling the phone to the ear.
Ergonomics Health problems associated with computer use are avoidable, when the use of ergo- nomic principles is adopted. Ergonomics is about fitting the machine to the comfort of the user, rather than expecting the user to accommodate themselves to uncomfortable equipment, postures, and work organization. The following measures outline the principle of ergonomics in the use of computers for the optimum health and safety of the users.
Neutral wrist position Position of the wrist must be neutral, or straight. In order to achieve a neutral position, the keyboard needs to be placed so the arms bend at approximately a 90-degree angle. Any bending of the wrist puts pressure on the tendons and nerves at the same time they are being required to work. By bending the wrist, you are narrowing the space available for your tendons and nerves.
Avoid resting the wrist or forearm on a hard surface while keying: this is called contact stress and must be avoided. However, if you feel you really want a wrist rest, make sure that it is well padded. Replace it when it begins to lose its cushioning.
Do not wear a wrist brace unless a physician prescribes it since braces also constrict nerves and tendons in the moving hand and wrist. Risks for back, neck and shoulder problems The line of vision should hit the top of the monitor, the mouse should be next to the keyboard at the same height, and a document holder should be used to make sure paperwork is at the same distance, angle and height as the monitor.
The computer equipment should be arranged in a straight line so as to avoid twisting ones back.
To reduce telephone related muscle stress, use the speaker function or headset while working on the computer.
Backache Chairs that do not provide support for the lower back, or lumbar, can cause back pain. If there is no lumbar support, back muscles experience fatigue because they must do more work to keep the body in an upright position. An unsuitable chair also adds to poor posture, such as slouching, and this puts pressure on the spine.
Chairs that are adjustable allows the user to move the seat pan up and down, the arm rests in and out and the seat back forward and back should be use. Chairs should be adjusted so the feet can be placed squarely on the ground or a footrest.
Vision Commonly, those who use computers for prolonged periods of time complain of eyestrain, eye fatigue, eye irritation and blurred vision. Correcting these problems can be resolved with a visit to the doctor or an optician.
Helpful Hints:
• To reduce glare, tilt the screen down slightly so that overhead lighting does not hit the screen. Place monitors at right angles to windows so glare does not hit the screen or the user’s eyes. Use blinds or curtains for controlling sunlight glare. Reduce room lighting to half-normal office levels and use task lighting for paper work and other tasks. Try these methods before relying on glare screens, as they are dust collectors and require continuous cleaning.
• If there is flicker, or small and illegible characters, make sure the computer is operating properly and that the screen and characters are big enough to read comfortably. Prolonged, intense viewing of the monitor can also cause flickering sensations.
• Take breaks by looking away from the screen for ten seconds; make phone calls or do other work and give your eyes a rest.
• Dryness and irritation are also common complaints. Keep computers and desk areas clean to keep dust levels down and help reduce eye irritation. Don’t forget to blink when working at a computer. Eyes need lubrication and with computer work, especially in a dry workplace, blinking is especially important, as is drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Wearing contact lenses can aggravate the problem.