You would think that sitting at a computer would be a safe business. Not so. ICT can pose serious health risks and thousands of work days are lost each year due to ill health. This is why precautions should be taken to minimise the impact on health and safety.
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ICT related health issues |
Steps taken to reduce risk |
| Use of keyboard over the years can lead to Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) – pain in the wrists and hand | Regular breaks from typing, purchase of wrist rests, correct posture |
| Long hours using a monitor can lead to headaches and poor eyesight | Use screens that don’t flicker, use screen filters, regular breaks from monitor, suitable lighting in the office |
| Back and neck problems from long hours sat at a computer | Regular breaks from desk, correct posture, ergonomic seating, screen tilted to comfortable angle, use of foot rests |
| Trailing wires can lead to people tripping up | Wires to be secured using cable trunking |
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ICT related safety issues |
Steps taken to reduce risk |
| Large office environment with a lot of computers and electrical equipment can generate a lot of heat | Installation of an air conditioning system |
| Ozone released from laser printers can lead to breathing problems | Laser printers to be at least 1 metre from workers, good ventilation |
| Computer and electrical equipment a potential fire hazard | Fire extinguishers to be located around the office, fire procedure to be established, fire marshals to be allocated, no overloading of sockets, use of surge protectors, no drink near PCs. |
| Tripping hazards | Area around desks to be kept free, designated bag and coat space away from computers, wires to be taped down or bundled safely using cable trunking. |