Can PCs Damage Your Health?

Posted on 3 Jul 2002 at 17:27

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Unlike a packet of fags, your PC doesn't carry a government health warning o but it can be nearly as dangerous. A badly set up computer and office environment can wreak havoc on your body. We find out how you can avoid the pitfalls.

For many of us, using a PC is as commonplace as tying our shoelaces. But would we torture ourselves trying to squeeze into winkle-pickers or high-heels? Or set upon our feet with a meat tenderiser? No. Yet, while we slip on comfortable shoes, many of us sit at desks that are so ill-designed, a visit to the osteopath or a spot of Deep Heat cream becomes almost inevitable.
In this feature, we'll look at the risks you face from a poor office set up, and how your own working practices can affect your health. We'll examine the worst that can happen, and then find out what scientists are doing to improve matters. But the goal of this piece is self-help. Simply by arranging your desk and working day properly, you'll maintain the body of a gazelle when others are left wincing at the very thought of a day at their keyboard.
So what are the risks?
Back pain affects nearly two out of three adults in Great Britain. It's the number one cause of disability, and it costs industry around 6 billion a year through absenteeism. A sure route to the agony of back pain is a poorly-designed PC workspace.
Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI, is also a growing problem. Although often starting with tingling and numbness in your fingers, hands and arms, it may spread to your neck, shoulders or legs, and can cause severe pain.
High levels of stress have also been attributed to uncomfortable working conditions, while a poorly positioned - or just plain naff - monitor can cause your eyes to suffer. Eye strain causes a plethora of problems from dry eyes to cracking headaches and nausea.

Danger one: Desk and Chair
Unsuitable furniture causes damage to muscles and joints. It can result in severe pain, requiring physiotherapy and drugs.
The secret to a long and comfortable working life is to look after your body. Naturally, your body adopts certain positions when you sit and you shouldn't force or bend it in ways it doesn't want to go. The problem is, many people are rather too accommodating in their sitting position. They accept seemingly minor problems, which, over time, means their bodies adapt into the poor posture encouraged by bad office furniture.
You should never have a rounded back. Instead, your eyes should be level with the top of the monitor and your back straight. If you're very tall, you may need to raise the height of your display.
Face your display straight on, too. Don't have it at the side of your desk, as this will force you to crane your neck. Keep your feet flat on the floor, and don't cross your legs.
Your working area should be well organised o tidy, but with necessary tools close to hand. Your reach only extends between 50 and 70cm, so keep the telephone, stapler and wacky office mascot within this range. Avoid repeated stretching and twisting movements.

Danger two: Typing at your Keyboard
Poor equipment and typing technique can cause repetitive strain injury (RSI), as well as damage to wrists, shoulders and neck.
Many of us spend a great deal of each day tapping away on a keyboard, so it pays to buy a comfortable one. To an extent, what feels right for you is a subjective matter. Try some out.
Opinion in the Buyer office is starkly divided about the split ergonomic keyboards like those from Microsoft, or Logitech's Cordless Desktop Pro. I use one and find it very comfortable. However, other members of the team can't stand them.