Health problems are banded under the long term issues which could cause you physical harm.

 

The following problems are some of the more common:

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT)

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Carpal tunnel syndrome

Ulnar neurtis (Cubital Tunnel Syndrome)

Eye strain

Back pain/ache

Fatigue

Stress

 

Eye strain

Eyes can become strained after staring at a computer screen for a long time, particularly if working in bad light, in glare or with a flickering screen. Fortunately, eyestrain is usually a temporary problem.

Symptoms include:

• Burning or itching eyes

• Blurring or double vision

• Headache

• Nausea

• Fatigue

•  

Solutions:

• Use monitors which don't flicker

• Have blinds at the windows so that the sun doesn't shine directly on the screen

• Use suitable lights that disperse light evenly and don't shine on the screen

• Use a screen filter

• Keep your eyes at least 18 inches from the screen

• Regularly look away from the screen and focus on something in the distance

• Take regular breaks - at least 5 minutes break every hour

• Have regular eye tests and wear glasses if prescribed

 

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is damage to the fingers, wrists and other parts of the body due to repeated movements over a long period of time.

Symptoms:

In the arms and hands:

• Aching

• Pain in arms/wrists even after rest

• Weakness

• Swelling

• Tenderness

• Numbness

• Pins and needles or burning sensation

In the shoulders and neck:

• Stiffness

• Aching

 

Causes:

• Typing or using the mouse for long periods of time

• Using too much force on your fingers when typing

• Using a poorly designed keyboard

• Workstation or chair is the wrong height so arms are in an unnatural position

 

Solution:

• Ensure workstation and chair are the correct height

• Support wrists by using wrist rests

• Keep elbows close to your sides

• Five minute break from typing at least every hour

 

 

Backache & Neck Pain

Many computer users suffer serious back and neck problems.  This is probably due to a poor posture or an awkward position while sitting at a computer. Some of the things that people can do to help avoid back pain are:

• Use a fully adjustable chair. The height of the chair and the seat position should be easy to change.

• Use a foot rest so that the legs are kept at a more natural angle

• Use a monitor which is adjustable. Position it so that the neck doesn't have to bend

• Take regular breaks and walk about

• Sit with the back straight and the head up, don't slouch

 

 

 

Deep Vein Thrombosis

There is a medical condition called Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Which is a clot forming in a leg vein. Whilst a DVT itself is very painful and requires hospital treatment, it can potentially become life threatening.  Small bits of the clot can break off and travel through the blood system.  If they lodge in the brain it can result in stroke, if they lodge in the lungs they are called a pulmonary embolus.  There have been many cases of people developing DVTs after a long plane journey where they have been unable to get up and move about. More recently, there have been cases of office workers developing DVTs when they have sat at their desks for hours on end.

 

Causes:

• Sitting for long periods of time

• long periods of inactivity

 

Symptoms:

• Swelling in the affected leg

• Localised heat in the affected leg

• Pain in the affected leg

 

Prevention:

• Take regular breaks

• Stand up and move around to allow the blood flow in your legs to return to normal

• Use an adjustable chair and ensure that your feet are firmly on the floor

• Sit with a suitable posture – do not cross your legs for long periods

 

 

Stress

Stress brought on through the use of computers is one of the major causes of work related illness.

 

There are many different reasons why people become stressed at work.  However, here is a list of some of the major causes brought about by the use of computers:

• Many people are afraid of computers, they don't understand them and feel they will look stupid if they admit that they don't know how to operate one.

• People worry that a computer will be able to replace them and they might lose their jobs.

• Things change so fast in the world of computing that it can be very stressful just trying to keep up to date with new ideas, techniques and equipment, especially for older people.

• It is getting increasingly hard to separate work and home life.  People can be contacted easily by their bosses or clients.  E-mail, the Internet and mobile phones mean that people continue to work even after they have left the office.

• The amount of information that ICT systems can produce is often far too much for anyone to take in.  This results in 'information overload' and people end up feeling they can't cope and become stressed.

• Workers can be monitored using ICT systems.  Call centre staff are monitored to make sure that they don't spend too long on any one call.  The number of products that a check-out person scans during a minute are counted.  This feeling of being constantly 'watched' can be stressful.

 

This is a short video clip from YouTube explaining how to beat RSI (repetitive strain injury).