Ergonomics and Safe Computer Use

Safe use of computers depends on two main factors. One is the behavior of the user, and, in this sense, the best advice is to take break on a regular basis. The other is the design of the computer and the surrounding environment so as to minimize the health hazards.

The working environment can consist of:

•Your chair and desk;

•Main pieces of the computer - keyboard, mouse and monitor;

•The ambient lighting; and

•How you keep any documents that you are reading or working from.

Office furniture is essentially a matter of ensuring that when you are working at your computer, you can sit upright and do not need to hunch over the keyboard. Background lighting should be neutral and not too bright. If you need extra light (say to read at the same time) then use secondary lighting. Access to documents is something that easy to overlook. However, papers (or books) placed flat on a desk (and probably in the corner) are likely to mean you are sitting in an uncomfortable position. If you do a lot of reading or transcription then it is a good idea to invest in an appropriate document holder.

There are a wide range of specialist products that will help you address any problems caused by your working environment. So, for example, if you are having problem operating the mouse, then using a tracking ball (which can be held in your hand), tablets or, perhaps unusually, a mouse designed to be operated with your foot can all help.

In many cases, especially at home, we are unlikely to be able always to work in an ideal computing environment. In this case, without compromising on anything too much, it can be an idea to ensure that the work space is optimized to your primary task. Thus if the bulk of your use is surfing the web then making sure you have a good, well positioned, mouse is critical. If you find yourself doing mostly data input then the location of your keyboard is more important.

In terms of sub-optimal work spaces, there is a need to be particularly careful with laptops. Their very flexibility means you might be more likely to use it in poor lighting or perched on the corner of a seat. In these cases, the best advice (on the assumption you feel you have no choice) is to take even more breaks than normal and to carefully monitor your own feelings of tiredness.