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 In Fact
Health hazards of ICT
This briefing gives guidance on health and safety precautions for people working with ICT equipment.
Health hazards
These range from eyestrain and headaches to repetitive strain injury (RSI) (also called work related upper limb disorder or WRULD), backache and stress.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
One of the major problems arising from ICT work is RSI, which describes a range of conditions characterized by pain, numbness or discomfort in the muscles, tendons, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist, forearm, elbow and upper arm, and sometimes the shoulders and neck. The Health and Safety Commission (HSC), Approved code of Practice and Guidance Notes include a range of advice, which seeks to minimize the risk of RSI. This includes its guidance on the layout of workstations (furniture and equipment) and on work processes. HSC advises taking breaks from keyboard work of five and ten minutes within every 50-60 minutes, while the RSI Association recommends a break of five minutes in each half hour. The HSC also emphasizes the importance of being relaxed, since RSI can be caused by tension and working under stress which tenses the muscles and restricts circulation.
RSI due to use of mouse
Using a mouse may give rise to greater risks than using a keyboard because use of a mouse concentrates activity on one hand and on one or two fingers, which makes aches and pain in the fingers, hands, wrists, arms or shoulders more likely.
Epilepsy
Display screen use cannot cause epilepsy and is unlikely to cause problems to sufferers of most forms of epilepsy. Photosensitive epilepsy, however, is a rare form of epilepsy, which puts the sufferer at an increased risk of experiencing an attack through display screen work.
Skin rashes
Skin rashes are sometimes reported amongst display screen workers. In many cases environmental factors contribute to this problem but static-electric fields building up around screens, low level X-ray emissions and ultraviolet radiation given off by screens may be linked to skin rashes. Again, further research is needed into this association.
Stress
Stress has been identified as a problem amongst ICT workers. Again, factors contributing to this have included hot and noisy environments, poor workplace design, machine failures and social isolation. The best means of combating stress is by observing the need for regular breaks from continuous screen work.
Pregnancy and display screen work
Many women are apprehensive about working at a display screen while pregnant. While debate continues, the National Union of Teachers (NUT) advises that it is sensible to err on the side of caution, particularly since stress is seen as a factor, which can adversely affect pregnancy. The NUT therefore believes that women who are pregnant or considering pregnancy should have the option of not working with display screens. Women who continue to use screens during pregnancy should be able to take breaks when desired and their workstations should be adapted to accommodate their specific needs.
Electromagnetic emissions
Concern about electromagnetic emissions, particularly about the possible effects they may have on pregnancy, has led computer manufacturers to make “low emission” screens. Equipment should state whether it meets the voluntary “MRP2”. It is now also possible to “spot check” electromagnetic radiation emission levels of computers with relatively inexpensive, easily used meters.
Risks due to use of laptop computers
Laptop computers have to be compact enough to be easy to carry, resulting in design compromises like smaller keyboards and screens. Laptop work is therefore less comfortable than work at standard sized equipment. Specific training and information should be given to laptop users on minimizing risks, including sitting comfortably, angling the screen to minimize reflections and, wherever possible, placing the laptop on a firm surface at the right height.
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