Health and safety when using a computer

Eye strain

To reduce the chances of getting eye strain you should take a small break from looking at a screen and focus on something at a distance and the can help relax the eye muscles.

Monitors should also be fitted will swivel and tilt stands and the top of the monitor should be at the same level as your eyes to reduce the chances of getting eye strain.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

Repetitive strain injury is caused by repetitive movements over a very long period of time.

To reduce the chances of getting repetitive strain injury you should take small breaks and walk a around at small periods throughout the day

Taking breaks regularly 

It is very important not to skip any of your breaks throughout the day. You should take smalls breaks every hour or just get up and walk around. This can help reduce the change of getting Eye strain, RSI and back ache

Back ache

Back ache is caused by having bad posture.  To reduce the chance of getting back ache you should sit in an upright position with your knees level with your hips.

Workstation

Your workstation should be kept tidy at all times, and not cluttered with files and folders. You should never drink any liquids around you computer because if you were to accidently spill something you could end up electrocuting yourself or even cause a fire. You should have a chair with an adjustable back, arms and it should also be well padded. You should sit approximately arms length away from the monitor. While seated you feet should sit flat on the floor and your thighs should be 90° from your spine.

All wires should be kept in trunking so wires are not lose and trailing all over the place for people to trip over.