Health Issues (Cambridge International IGCSE ICT)

Spec point — 5.2.1

Health Issues

What are health issues?

• Health issues are a common side affect of the prolonged use of IT at home or in the workplace

• There are strategies that should be in place to help prevent health issues such as:

  • Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
  • Back/neck problems
  • Eye strain
  • Headaches

Repetitive strain injury (RSI)

• Repetitive strain injury is damage to the fingers, wrists and joints, traditionally cause d by prolonged use of a keyboard and mouse

• The effects of RSI include:

  • Pain
  • Numbness
  • Weakness
  • Stiffness

• To eliminate or reduce the risk of RSI, a user should:

  • Have the correct posture (angle of arms to the keyboard and mouse)
  • Use a wrist support if necessary
  • Take regular breaks
  • Make use of ergonomic keyboards

Back/neck problems

• Back and neck problems are caused from sitting in front of a computer screen for prolonged periods of time

• The effects of back/neck problems include:

  • Pain
  • Stiffness
  • Muscle spasms
  • Weakness
  • Numbness or tingling
  • Sciatica
  • Difficulty sleeping

• To eliminate or reduce the risk of back/neck problems, a user should:

  • Use adjustable chairs
  • Take regular breaks
  • Use a foot rest

Eye strain

• Eye strain is caused by staring at a computer screen for prolonged periods of time or incorrect lighting causing reflections

• The effects of eye strain include:

  • Headaches
  • Vision problems (blurred, double, light sensitivity)
  • Discomfort

• To eliminate or reduce the risk of eye strain, a user should:

  • Take regular breaks
  • Use anti-glare screen filter
  • Change from CRT to LCD monitor

Headaches

• Headaches are caused by a combination of factors, including:

  • Poor lighting
  • Flickering screens
  • Reflections
  • Fatigue

• To eliminate or reduce the risk of eye strain, a user should:

  • Take regular breaks
  • Have regular eye tests
  • Use an anti-glare screen filter