Posts Tagged ‘computer health and safety’
An ergonomic office is increasingly essential for a safe workplace. Long hours at office and computer-centred jobs mean people are finding ergonomics to be a necessity rather than an option.
Ergonomic office products manufacturer Kare has published a list of 10 tips for improving the ergonomics of your office, and improving workplace health and safety.
1. One of the most important features of an office is the chair. Every office should have ergonomic office chairs so that every person will be able to make the necessary adjustments in order to get comfortable. The workers can then sit with their feet on the floor, helping to avoid strain to the back and legs.
Computer accessory supplier Targus has launched a new wireless laser mouse, the AMW51AP, which features an ergonomic design to prevent conditions such as repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome.
The AMW51US (USA model) and AMW51EU (Europe) are available in black and grey. The mouse’s dimensions are approximately 10.8cm x 5.7cm x 3.4 cm and it weighs around 118g.
The Targus wireless mouse uses 1200DPI laser technology to encourage seamless and smooth mouse movements. The mouse also uses new RF 2.4GHz technology which reduces the cordless interference.
Trust Computer Products has unveiled a number of ergonomic products that aim to reduce conditions like repetitive strain injury or carpal tunnel syndrome suffered by office workers or PC users.
Its range of laptop cooler stands and monitor mounts has been designed to improve the seated posture of the computer user.
The Notebook Cooling Stand Xstream and the Stylo notebook Stand are suitable for screen sizes of up 17.4 inches and 16 inches respectively. The Xstream has five different height settings and two integrated cooling fans, while the Stylo features rubber pads to reduce the possibility of the laptop slipping.
The Targus Numeric Keypad is a plug-in for laptop users who use prefer the ergonomics of the desktop-style numeric keypad when typing in numbers. Besides the conventional wired model, there is also a wireless version of the keypad. It plugs in via a USB port.
The Targus Numeric Keybad is available in black and grey, and its dimensions are 12.7cm x 8.9cm x 2.5cm. It weighs 150g, and is compatible with PC, Mac and Netbook. The wired keypad retails for as little as £6, while the wireless keypad starts at around £13.
The new Ergonomic Wireless Optical Mouse from 3M aims to help reduce discomfort associated with carpal tunnel syndrome and repetitive strain injury.
Working with computers, particularly for long periods without breaks, is a prime cause of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI). If allowed to become chronic, RSI can cause permanent disability.
The 3M Ergonomic Mouse looks just like a joystick and is available to buy online.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, as amended in 2002 (‘the Regulations’) apply to a wide range of manual handling activities, including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying. The load may be either inanimate – such as a box or a trolley, or animate – a person or an animal. This guidance gives useful practical advice for employers, managers, safety representatives and individual employees on how to reduce the risk of injury from manual handling.
Ergonomists consider all the physical aspects of a person, such as:
• body size and shape;
• fitness and strength;
• posture;
• the senses, especially vision, hearing and touch; and
• the stresses and strains on muscles, joints, nerves.
Ergonomists also consider the psychological aspects of a person, such as:
• mental abilities;
• personality;
• knowledge; and
• experience.
By assessing these aspects of people, their jobs, equipment, and working environment and the interaction between them, ergonomists are able to design safe, effective and productive work systems.