What is the purpose of this task?To understand the importance of posture when working at a computer

What will you learn from this task?To understand what the term ergonomics meansTo carry out an assessment of your work station and make necessary adjustments to safeguard your health

You will need Access to a workstation with a computerWorkstation quiz (and answers)Workstation assessmentWorkstation adjustments

Task: Quiz

True False

1 A VDU, a VDT, a monitor and display screen equipment (DSE) are different types of equipment

2 Working at a computer for long periods can damage your health

3 Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) can result from overuse of a keyboard

4 Working at a computer for long periods can damage your eyesight

5 Working at a display screen causes headaches

6 There is a legal limit to how long you can work at a computer

7 Computer monitors give off radiation which can be harmful

8 Computer monitors can trigger epilepsy

9 Using a computer mouse for long periods can cause injury

10 Research shows that pregnant women should not work at computers

Firstly: do you know what “ergonomics” means? Now try answering these questions:

Quiz: Answers

Ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems and environment for human use…. (Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors) This means your workstation and computer equipment have been designed to accommodate you and allow you to work safely and efficiently. However, it is likely that you will need to make some adaptations to your workstation depending on your individual height, reach and working style in order to get the best out of them.

Quiz: Answers1 False: They are all the same type of equipment

2 False: you can have problems from incorrect use though, so to avoid any ill effects look at workstation design.

3 False: You may get aches and pains in your hands, wrists, arms, neck, shoulders or back, but these are more correctly called upper limb disorders.

4 False: but you can experience tired, dry eyes. Use eye drops and drink plenty of water.

5 True: Headaches can be caused by screen glare, out of focus images, poor posture or wearing the wrong glasses or lenses. 

6 False: there is no legal limit but you should take breaks depending on the intensity of the work.

7 False: they give out light which is not harmful.

8 True: but very rarely – people who suffer from photo-sensitive epilepsy and are susceptible to flickering lights and striped patterns may be affected. 

9 True: because mouse work concentrates activity on one hand and arm (and one or two fingers) it can lead to aches and pains in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms or shoulders.

10 False: there is no causal link between problems in pregnancy and working at a computer.

Task: Workstation assessment

• Working in pairs, take turns to sit at your desk with your computer in your normal working position

• The other person should complete the workstation assessment for their partner, noting any features that need adjustment

• If you only have access to a desk, complete what you can

• Allow time for feedback

Task: Workstation corrections

• Use the workstation adjustments sheet to note any changes you can make to improve your working position

Review

• How many changes did you have to make to your workstation?

• Why does this matter?• Find out more about health and safety from the

Health and Safety Executive www.hse.gov.uk