Health And Safety In The Workplace - By: Jamie Lyons

Computers have quickly become an essential part of the workplace. There's no doubting the positive impact that they've had upon efficiency and the ease with which some tasks are performed- but there are health and safety rules and regulations which users may well not know exist. These regulations have been enforced due the ever increasing number of employees that have to use a computer or visual display unit to complete their daily tasks in the office.

There are two main areas in which employers need to understand injuries may occur. These are damage to employee's eyes and RSI (repetitive straining injuries). The latter normally happens when their work environment has not been set up correctly. This can be related to the desk, chair or the keyboard and mouse which are used. These regulations apply to the employee when working at home also. Wherever an employee's workstation is, there are a few guidelines which employees can follow to avoid injury; these are:

Keep a good posture whilst working. Have the chair adjusted to the correct position so that it is comfortable for the employee to work, also adjust the visual display unit, so that it is at eye level. Enable enough room for the employee to move freely under the desk, making sure that their feet can touch the floor. In cases where their feet cannot touch the floor a footrest may be required.

Ensure that there is enough space for the employee to move freely at the workstation. Encourage the employee to try different layouts of their workstation to find the most comfortable one, which is most suited to their needs. Their workstation should be spacious enough for all of the office equipment that they are going to use; mouse, keyboard, visual display unit, etc… The layout should reduce the amount of pressure on neck and eye movements. The workstation should be well lit to prevent the employee's eyes straining. However the visual display units should be arranged to avoid glare and or bright reflections. If the visual display units have to face the window or a bright light then an anti-glare screen protector should be used to cover the screens.

There is however a regulation that many employees are unaware of and that is that they are entitled to a break when using the computer. This regulation dictates that the employee can take fifteen minutes for every two hours working at the computer workstation. It is more beneficial for the employee to plan their work so that they incorporate breaks into their work schedule; however if there are no "natural" breaks then it is up to the employer to plan their employee's breaks.

If you work with a computer or visual display unit on a regular basis you have the right to a free eye test - it is the responsibility of the employee to book an appointment and they should make sure that they speak to their employer before doing so.

About the Author

Written by Jamie Lyons for DGOS Office Supplies and Lighthouse Health and Safety

Article Directory Source: http://www.articlerich.com/profile/Jamie-Lyons/73250

Additional Articles From - Home | Computers