health effects on the use of computer

Health Hazards of Computer Use
Introduction


There are several health problems associated with computer use. All of them are avoidable,
through the use of ergonomic principles. Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker, rather than expecting workers to accommodate themselves to uncomfortable equipment, postures, and workorganization. The following are descriptions of computer-related health hazards and measures you can take to reduce or eliminate your chance of suffering from pain, discomfort or a disabling condition because of extensive computer use.


Cumulative Trauma Injuries (CTD’S)


As with any task done repeatedly, working on a computer for long periods of time can cause
inflammation of tendons, nerve sheaths and ligaments and damage to soft tissues. Depending on an individual’s sensitivity to the repeated movements of keyboarding, the cumulative effect can be disabling. Resulting conditions are called cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). Different types of forearm and
wrist CTDs from computer use are carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, tendinitis,
DeQuervain’s disease and ganglionic cysts. If you experience pain, numbness, tingling, or weakness in
muscles or movement of arms, hands, and fingers, it could be a sign or symptom of a CTD.


Reducing Risks of CTDs:


• Change how you use your computer. Position of the wrist must be neutral, or straight. In order to achieve a neutral position, the keyboard needs to be placed so the arms bend at approximately a 90-degree angle. Any bending of the wrist puts pressure on the tendons and nerves at the same time they are being required to work. By bending the wrist, you are narrowing the space available for your tendons and nerves.
• Avoid resting the wrist or forearm on a hard surface while keying. This is called contact stress
and must be avoided. However, if you feel you really want a wrist rest, make sure that it is well
padded. Replace it when it begins to lose its cushioning.
• Do not wear a wrist brace unless a physician prescribes it since braces also constrict nerves and
tendons in the moving hand and wrist.
Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems
Neck and shoulder pain and stiffness can occur from improper placement of the computer monitor, mouse or document you are working from. If these items are not placed correctly, the muscles of your neck and shoulders are constantly working to keep the head and arms in an awkward position. Phone use while keying can also contribute to neck and shoulder pain from cradling the phone to your ear.


Reducing Risks for Back, Neck and Shoulder Problems:


• Your line of vision should hit the top of the monitor, the mouse should be next to the
keyboard at the same height, and a document holder should be used to make sure paperwork
is at the same distance, angle and height as the monitor.
• Arrange the computer equipment in a straight line so you are not twisting your back.
• To reduce telephone related muscle stress, use the speaker function or purchase a headset.
A chair that does not provide support for the lower back, or lumbar, can cause back pain. If there is no lumbar support, back muscles experience fatigue because they must do more work to keep the body in an upright position. An unsuitable chair also adds to poor posture, such as slouching, that puts pressure
on the spine.
• Get a good chair that is adjustable and allows the user to move the seat pan up and down, the
arm rests in and out and the seat back forward and back. Chairs should be adjusted so the feet
can be placed squarely on the ground or a footrest. Chairs should also come in a few different
sizes to best fit the user.


Vision


Many people who use computers for prolonged periods of time complain of eyestrain, eye fatigue,eye irritation and blurred vision. Fortunately, correcting these problems can be relatively easy and inexpensive.


Helpful Hints:


• To reduce glare, tilt the screen down slightly so that that overhead lighting does not hit the
screen. Place monitors at right angles to windows so glare does not hit the screen or the user’s
eyes. Use blinds or curtains for controlling sunlight glare. Reduce room lighting to half-normal
office levels and use task lighting for paper work and other tasks. Try these methods before
relying on glare screens, as they are dust collectors and require continuous cleaning.
• If there is flicker, or small and illegible characters, make sure the computer is operating
properly and that the screen and characters are big enough to read comfortably. Prolonged,
intense viewing of the monitor can also cause flickering sensations.
• Take breaks by looking away from the screen for ten seconds; make phone calls or do other
work and give your eyes a rest.
• Dryness and irritation are also common complaints. Keep computers and desk areas clean to
keep dust levels down and help reduce eye irritation. Don’t forget to blink when working at a
computer. Eyes need lubrication and with computer work, especially in a dry workplace,
blinking is especially important, as is drinking plenty of water throughout the day. Wearing
contact lenses can aggravate the problem.
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Some people discover they either need corrective lenses or a change in their lens prescription.
This is not because computer work is actually causing a worsening of vision, but the intensity of the work can aggravate an existing, but undiscovered vision problem. If you wear glasses, they may not give you the most efficient viewing of the screen and you may need a special prescription for computer use.


Radiation


Computers give off very low frequency (VLF) and extremely low frequency (ELF) radiation. This type of radiation is called non-ionizing. It is not as strong as ionizing radiation, such as x-rays, that are
known to cause cancer.
The source of computer radiation is the flyback transformer in the rear of the monitor and
radiation is therefore strongest at the back of the machine. Newer computers are manufactured with
radiation shielding to minimize emissions.
Prudent avoidance: Research conducted so far does not indicate that radiation from computers is
a significant health hazard. Even so, a policy of prudent avoidance is recommended because computer
radiation studies have not fully answered all the questions about potential risks. Prudent avoidance means
to reduce exposure by placing people away from the source of radiation. The backs of computer monitors
should be at least three to four feet from any employee.
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REMEMBER:
• Organize your work area so things you need are close at hand
• Adjust lighting levels or reposition the monitor so that glare is eliminated and lighting is
appropriate for the task.
• Adjust your workstation so you are in proper alignment with your computer. It’s important
that the equipment adjust to your comfort.
• Contact your eye doctor or occupational health practitioner if vision problems persist.
• Report symptoms of computer-related health problems immediately to your supervisor, union
and physician. Don’t wait to get treatment and/or help for changing your workstation.
• TAKE BREAKS! Every 30 minutes or so, get up or do alternate work like filing or
phones. Short stretch breaks will help revive you. Taking 30 seconds to stop and stretch or
breathe deeply while closing your eyes can be very effective. You’ll probably notice your
concentration and productivity improving too. Don’t forget to periodically look away from the
screen and blink.
How NYSUT can Help
Your NYSUT Labor Relations Specialist can help you work with your employer to adopt an
ergonomic policy and purchase adjustable equipment and furniture. In each of NYSUT’S regional
offices, staff is also available to assist with ergonomic training and can give you information about the
area occupational health clinic if medical evaluation is necessary. NYSUT regional staff also has access
to a wide range of resources on this and other safety and health issues, including NYSUT Health and
Safety Fact Sheets on a variety of topics.
Published by New York State United Teachers, Division of Field Services
159 Wolf Road, P.O. Box 15008, Albany, New York 12212-5008. Telephone: (518) 459-5400.
This publication is made possible by a grant from the
New York State Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program.
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