Basic Computer Concepts Health Issues Why do some computer workstations give eyestrain and muscle...

Basic Computer Concepts

Health Issues

Why do some computerworkstations give

eyestrain and musclefatigue?

Why do some carseats leave you

aching after a longjourney ?

Why is the videorecorder one of themost frustratingdomestic items to

operate?

Trends and Issues – Health Issues



Health Issues

Ø Ergonomics

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the study of designing and positioningcomputer equipmentan approach which puts human needs andcapabilities at the focus of designingtechnological systems

ØObjectives of Ergonomics

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to ensure that humans and technologywork in complete harmony, with theequipment and tasks aligned to humancharacteristicsto have “no pain” computing



Health Issues

ØEssential Implications for Productivity,Efficiency, Safety and Health in Work Setting

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Designing equipment and workarrangements to improve working postureand ease the load on the body.Information design, to make theinterpretation and use of handbooks, signs,and displays easier and less error-prone.Designing equipment and systems includingcomputers, so that they are easier to useand less likely to lead to errors inoperation.Designing working environments, includinglighting and heating, to suit the needs ofthe users and the tasks performed.



Health Issues

ØEssential Implications for Productivity,Efficiency, Safety and Health in Work Setting

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Design of training arrangements to coverall significant aspects of the job concernedand to take account of human learningrequirements.The design of military and spaceequipment and systems – an extreme caseof demands on the human being.Designing tasks and jobs so that they areeffective and take account of human needssuch as rest breaks and sensible shiftpatterns.



Health Issues

Origins of Ergonomics

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A relatively new branch of science, celebratedits 50th anniversary in 1999Relies on research carried out in many otherolder, established scientific areas, such asphysiology, psychology and engineeringOriginated in World War 2, when scientistsdesigned advanced new and potentiallyimproved systems without fully considering thepeople who would be using themIt gradually became clear that systems andproducts would have to be designed to takeaccount of many human and environmentalfactors if they are to be used safely andeffectivelyThis awareness of people’s requirementsresulted in the discipline of ergonomics



Health Issues

A User-Friendly Workstation



Health Issues

Equipment ChecklistØ Buying Tips

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Ask for equipment that meets AmericanNational Standards Institute (ANSI)standardsTry equipment out before purchasingwhenever possible

ØComputer Terminal

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Easy to use brightness and control knobsNo perceptible screen flickerDetachable keyboardReduced electromagnetic fields (EMF)emissionsTiltable screen

Character size at least 3/16"



Health Issues

Equipment ChecklistØ Chair

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Back provides firm lower and mid-backsupportAdjustable arm rests, if needed to preventshoulder fatigueSeat and back easily adjustable for heightand tilt from seated position without use oftoolsSeat upholstered and padded, curves downat front edge5 casters for stability

Ø Table

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Adjustable easily from seated positionwithout use of toolsBi-level to allow independent adjustmentof screen and keyboardAdequate leg roomAdequate table top space for requiredtasks



Health Issues

Equipment ChecklistØAccessories ( As Needed )

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Foot rest for users whose feet don’t restflat on the floorAdjustable keyboard tray, if table is toohighWrist rest that is padded, movable, sameheight as keyboard home rowDocument holder adjustable to screenheightGlare screen with grounding wireLumbar support cushion, if chair doesn’tsupport lower backTelephone headsetTask lighting



Health Issues

Health TipsØReduce Glare to Avoid Eyestrain

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Lower lighting level to about half of normaloffice lightingAvoid placing computer directly under abank of lightsAvoid light shining directly into your eyesor onto your screenUse window curtains or blinds if necessaryPosition screen at right angle to windowHold a mirror in front of your screen toidentify sources of glareUse task lighting if necessary



Health Issues

Health TipsØTake a Stretch/Exercise Break

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Take a mini-break as needed to stretchyour body or rest your eyes. Frequent shortbreaks are desirable if your work situationallows.Refocus your eyes by looking away fromyour screen and focusing on a distantobject at least 20 feet away every 10minutes or so.Take a 15 minute break from the computerat least every two hours to get up andmove around.Keep moving throughout the day by takingmini-breaks for your favorite stretches.Spread your fingers as far apart as you can.Hold for 5 seconds. Then make a fist.Repeat several times.



Health Issues

Health TipsØTake a Stretch/Exercise Break

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Relax shoulders by rotating thembackwards several times and thenforwards.Rotate job tasks when possible to avoidconstant keyboard work.Release tension in the neck by looking backover the shoulder while sitting up straight.Hold for 10 seconds, then slowly turn headand look back over shoulder and hold.Blink often to keep your eyes moist.

Basic Computer Concepts Health Issues Why do some computer workstations give eyestrain and muscle...

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