What every computer user needs to know and what every employer should provide
What every computer user needs to know – and what every employer should provide
Keywords: Health and safety, Computers, Occupational illness
More than two million people a year suffer from ill health caused or made worse by work – and computer users are particularly at risk.
A new book published recently will help both employees and employers avoid hazards like RSI, stress, back problems and eye strain – and the massive costs associated with them. Costs can include: sickness absence, high staff turnover, retraining and loss of productivity. Compensation claims are increasing and problems may also adversely affect employers' insurance premiums.
Written and reviewed by qualified ergonomists, the self-help guide 14 Steps to Safe and Comfortable Computer Use – The Practical Ergonomics Approach has been specifically designed for computer users. The book contains a simple 14-step process to follow when setting up and using a computer, ranging from laying out your desk and equipment to comfortable typing techniques. Key learning points are well illustrated in a friendly style and reinforced by two mousemats demonstrating how to sit comfortably and comfortable keyboard and mouse use.
The book may be used by individuals simply wishing to improve their own safety awareness. Equally, companies can use the book as part of their compliance with Regulation 7 of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment)Regulations 1992 concerning the provision of information to computer users.
It is an ideal cost-effective accompaniment to existing health and safety training programmes, providing high quality reference materials when people are back in their workplace. The book can be purchased individually or in quantity and can be re-branded with an organisation's own name and logo.
The book 14 Steps to Safe and Comfortable Computer Use – The Practical Ergonomics Approach, ISBN 0-9539071-0-4, is available from Ergonomos Limited, priced at £8 plus £2 postage and packaging. Mousemats are available separately priced at £5 plus £1 postage and packaging. Their contact details are: Ergonomos Limited, 11 St John's Road,Richmond, Surrey TW9 2PE, UK. Tel: +44 (0) 20 8940 7939; E-mail: 14steps@ergonomos.co.uk
