Computer Safety

by Alden Smith

Computers are a fascinating machine. It is not hard to find yourself immersed in the internet and programs you enjoy for hours at a time. Doing so can create havoc with your back, wrists, and even your eyesight. Computer safety goes well beyond the common sense things, and if you intend to spend any time at all working on a computer, you should be aware of them. Here, we will discuss computer safety - what it means to you, how to accomplish it, and warning signs that something is wrong.

OSHA Standards

OSHA, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, has no real safety concerns concerning computer outside of a few typical guidelines. These include standards on radiation, noise, and electrical hazards. The biggest concern with computer workstations is ergonomic. This stands to reason - one of the biggest hazards of computer work is repetitive motion injuries.
Because computer work relies on both typing on a keyboard and manipulating a mouse, many people find that if the computer work station is not set up correctly, they will suffer injury. In regards to these concerns, let's look at the basics.

The Computer Desk

A computer desk must be much more than an eye pleasing piece of furniture. It must be functional, offer ease of work flow, and be set up so that repetitive motion is kept to a minimum. The computer desk is often a big culprit in repetitive motion instances. Technically, a workspace is divided into three zones - primary, secondary, and tertiary. In the primary zone, you do the bulk of your work. You should have the most frequently used items, such as keyboard, mouse and phone, in this zone. In the secondary zone, less frequently used items will be accessed. In the tertiary zone, seldom used objects find their place.

A computer desk should not have sharp and hard edges. They keyboard should be positioned so that your wrists are in a natural state, not bent or cocked. If a keyboard is placed on the desk, and there are hard or sharp edges coming in contact with your wrists when typing, this can lead to contact stress. This causes pressure to nerves and blood vessels, possibly causing tingling and sore fingers.

CPU's should never be placed in the leg hole of a desk. If this is done, it confines the movement of the legs and affects sitting positions, leading to nerve damage and back pain.

The Office Chair

Don't make the mistake of buying a cheap office chair, or using one from the dining room table. A good ergonomic chair should offer proper support to the back, legs, buttocks, and arms, and should not allow exposure to awkward postures, contact stress, and forceful exertions.

Always purchase a chair that has a wide variety of adjustments - not only up and down, but arms that raise and lower, and a back that has adjustable lumbar support. There should be ample padding to offer good support. Avoid buying a plastic, light weight chair. The chair should have a solid, steel frame, and the adjustments for the chair should be easily accessed. A chair that meets these requirements can be bought at Staples or Office Supply for about $150.00.

The Computer Keyboard

Keyboards that come with a new computer are generally a generic keyboard that has all keys in a straight row, and is usually quite cramped. These work all right if you are only an occasional computer user. If you spend a great deal of time, however, working on projects and documents as I do, then an ergonomic keyboard is a must. The generic keyboard forces you to type with your wrists cocked, leading to chronic pain. The keys are often small and cramped. An ergonomic keyboard has the keys split into two sections, with the rows of keys cocked at an angle, giving a more natural position for the hands and wrists. Another big advantage of an ergonomic keyboard is that they usually come with many helpful buttons to allow you to access directly from the keyboard such things as your inbox, the internet, the calculator, and even controls for your media applications. You can pick up a good ergonomic keyboard just about anywhere for around $49.00.

In Conclusion

Always use common sense when working on a computer. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Search the internet for exercises to do that help relieve stress and remember to take a break at regular intervals. Doing so will make your experiences with a computer a happy one.