Computer Health Hazard Manual Essay Example

provided to all imputer users and users be given relevant information relating to their health and safety.

MIR uses computers not only in facilitating research activities, but also to keep and process financial transactions, produce reports and to accomplish all secretarial duties. The use of computers by the majority of MIR staff has reduced Abstract-?This paper is based on a study conducted in 2006 to assess the impact of computer usage on the health of National Institute for Medical Research (MIR) staff. MIR being a research Institute, most of its staff spend a substantial part of their working time on computers.

There was a notion among MIR staff on possible prolonged computer usage health hazards. Hence, a study was conducted to establish facts and possible mitigation measures. A total of 144 MIR staff were 20 and 59 years. All staff cadres were included in the sample. The functions performed by Institute staff using computers includes; data management, proposal development and report writing, research activities, secretarial duties, accounting and administrative duties, on-line information retrieval and online communication through e-mail services.

The interviewed staff had been using computers for 1-8 ours a day and for a period ranging from 1 to 20 years. The study has indicated ergonomic hazards for a significant proportion of interviewees (63%) of various kinds ranging from backache to eyesight-related problems. The authors highlighted major issues which are substantially applicable in preventing occurrences of computer-related problems and they urged MIR Management and/or the government of Tanzania opts to adapt their practicability. Keywords-?Computers ergonomic hazards, computer usage health hazards.

HE history of computers goes as far back as 1642 when Black Pascal invented a

mechanical calculator [1]. With a series of developments made thereafter by a number of expertise, the first IBM Personal Computer was born in 1981 costing about IIS$ 10,000. 00. This was gradually improved until when a version that has footprint of today's' PC's was released in 1984. Since then the speed, power, capability and interface, operating systems and application software have been developed very fast while allowing very powerful PC's available at affordable costs.

Today, the PC'S have replaced virtually all typewriters and become a necessity for almost all officers. The use of Personal Computer has grown tremendously to the extent that today lions of people around the world are using computers. Like many organizations and individual that uses computers all over the world, MIR staffs have All the five authors are with the National Institute for Medical Research, P O Box 9653, Dark SE Salaam, Tanzania. L.

INTRODUCTION

Despite the fact that computer usage at MIR is extensive at present, apparently, most users remained unaware of the possible potential health hazards they may consequently experience. Very unfortunate, the literature review conducted id not reveal investigation done on any computer usage associated health hazards in Tanzania. There was no retrievable information available either in printed form or from electronic. In that regard, it has never been established as to what extent MIR contracts while working with computers.

This is now important in view of a large number of the staff using computers to accomplish their duties daily. From this consciousness, MIR felt the urgency of conducting an investigation to determine the impact of using computers with respect to health conditions of its employees, and eventually

put forward recommendations for possible solutions.

METHODOLOGY

Study population The investigation was limited to MIR staff and staff of Institutes and units associated with MIR in their operations including those in projects, whose duties demanded use of computers.

Among MIR staff; Research Scientists, Laboratory Technologistsnechnicians, Secretaries, Data Entrants, Clerical officers, and the Administrative staff were the most relevant groups of staff consulted to provide data. These were the major groups of people in MIR, whose functions demanded the support of computer applications. B. Data Collection Pre-designed self-administered questionnaire was used in data collection. Copies of the questionnaire were circulated to MIR Headquarters, Centers and Stations, and project offices for computer users to fill them up.

The questionnaire accommodated a wide range of questions believed to represent the most probable computer-associated health hazards entities. The demographic characteristics of each interviewee were recorded. Each respondent was asked to give reasons for using computers, the period elapsed since they begun operating with computers, and the time they spent on computers on daily basis. They were further, asked if involved in little or extensive usage of computers and any breaks taken in between.

Wrists and arm behaviors while typing, type and font size used and positioning of eyes against computer screen were among the information the investigators sought. The habit of changing body position while working with computers and the way the chair supported legs while workings on computers were among the aspects of interest to the investigators. Finally, the respondents were asked to mention any other problems they had ever experienced subsequent to their commencements in computer use.

Moreover, the majority of respondents, 113 70 60 Percent (%)

50 40 30 20 10 0 Eye sight Tired eyes Discomfort and headache interviewees, research scientists, laboratory technicians, data entrants and secretaries were the groups of staff members who use computers mostly to accomplish various official duties. The results displayed significant variations in education levels among the respondents. However, majority of the interviewees attained at least a first-degree education level as shown in figure 2.

Computer use in MIR The findings of this study revealed that 87. % of the respondents had experience in using computers as essential tools applied in their daily activities. The activities demanded computers were data management activities, research development (proposal development and report writing), secretarial duties, on-line information retrieval, and e-mail services. Besides research, computers were also used as tools in executing accounting and administrative duties. Epochs of using amputees among the respondents varied from 1-20 years. Apparently, 59. 5% used computers for more 20 18 16 respondents 14 12 10 864 20 1 234 56 7 8 Time [hrs] Computer Vision Syndrome Fig. Eye related Problems (79%) use two hands to perform double keys operations. Likewise, the majority of the respondents 88(61 keep their wrists straight and level, while the rest usually bend their wrists far down or way back while typing. A great portion of interviewees (62%) claimed to move their hands around while typing and the rest keep their wrists rest and get stretched to hit keys with their fingers. Regarding font size preferences, 88 % f the respondents were in favors of 12-font size whereas the rest use either 10 or 1 1 font sizes. D.

Experienced Health Problems among computer users Sixty-three percent (63%) of

the interviewees complained about pains in the upper back, shoulder and neck. Eye and headache problems were among the health problems the interviewees experienced. Eyesight problem, suffering from tired eyes as well as some discomforts accompanied by headache were the problems reported. (See figure 4). Regarding sight position while working on computer screens, the observation reveled that most of the respondents (81 position their eyes at the middle of the imputer screen and the rest point their eyes at the top of the screen.

RSI was among the problems MIR computer users suffering from. The prominent hazards were the tightness discomfort, stiffness or burning in the hands, wrists, fingers, and forearms or elbows that were noted in 44. 4% respondents. Other similar problems were also encountered but at a smaller proportions

IV. DISCUSSION

The return rate for any study sample to provide meaningful results reflecting the target community. Time Spent on Computer before than five years. The majority 102 (71. 8%) were involved in extensive typing using imputer keyboards and 95 (66. %) declared to break regularly at frequent intervals while working with computers. Similarly, the majority of the respondents 98(68%) claimed to have a habit of changing their body positions regularly while working with computers. However, a significant variation was noted on the time spent on computers (1-8 hours) before taking a break. While 53% claimed to spend more than two hours on computers before taking a break, 45% of the respondents claimed to spend more than 5 hours working on computers daily. C. Assessment on Ergonomic Associated Hazards The ergonomic hazards were part of the assessment inducted during the survey.

 TABLE II EXPERIENCED

RSI PROBLEMS AMONG COMPUTER USERS IN MIR

Problem (%) Tightness discomfort, stiffness or burning in the hands, wrists, fingers, forearms or elbow Tingling, coldness, numbness in the 27 19 hand Loss of strength and coordination in the 32 22 hands Pains that wakes you up at night 32 22 Any thickness, inflamed and pains on 36 25 tendon sheath Feeling a need to massage your hands, 56 40 wrists and arms Gender-wise, males were the majority, 63. 2% of the interviewees. This is attributed to the male: female staff ratio at MIR where the males are the minority.

Research scientists, laboratory technicians, data entrants and secretaries were the professions identified to spend much most time on computers. The outcome of this study reflects the reality when one considers the nature of work the groups perform. The majority has first-degree education level, being research scientists; the remaining professional groups with exception of administrators do not have degree education level. The need for using computer facilities is real for MIR being involved intensively in data collection, processing, analysis and publishing.

The Institute has created and is operating a data bank of its research work, incorporating research proposals, reports and publications, and other resources. MIR has been connected to the rest of the world through a computer networks enabling its staff to access literature as well as using e-mail services. Moreover, secretaries are always busy typing various correspondences for their All those functions are facilitated and done better using computers. Despite the fact that MIR has acquired computer facilities since early 1990, some staff members reported using computers for a period of over 20 years.

These are MIR

staff who name from other Organizations or institutions that acquired computers earlier than MIR. Eighty-eight percent (88%) of the respondents preferred using font size 12 while working on computers, and the rest use relatively smaller font sizes ranging between 10 and 11 . Skincare recommended using the appropriate font size on a screen to prevent hunching shoulders forward to read, the situation pressurized nerves and blood vessels in the neck and shoulders that may eventually lead to neck and back pains.

Most of the problems encountered in MIR are associated with poor ergonomic positioning that expose users to physical and mechanical strains. Sixty three percent (63%) of the interviewees complained of pains in upper back, shoulder and neck. These conditions are suspected to have a connection with those using a smaller font sizes than 12, as they have to Proportion of respondents No.  move their shoulder forwards looking for appropriate focus on screens.

Similarly, the longer period the respondents spent on computer works before taking breaks may have contributed to such experienced pains. The respondents claimed to break regularly at frequent intervals, normally after 2-3 hours of working on computers. Jonathan [8] recommends changing sitting position at least every 1 5 minutes and takes active breaks at least every 30 minutes especially those spending more than 2 or 3 hours on keyboarding daily. Researchers supports the idea of more frequent very short breaks done, for example, 30 seconds break after every 10 minutes .

The behaviors of MIR computer users are in line with those recommendations only they relatively spent a bit longer period prior to taking break. Such behaviors reflect the occurrence of RSI

and other health problems reported. Proper typing practice is one of the best ways to prevent IRIS. Screamer [5] describes the common problems associated with computers use to include, RSI which is associated with performing the same repetitive task over a long time. The common forms of RSI are carpel tunnel syndrome and tendon injuries.

The former is a condition in which the median nerve that controls the functioning of the hands and fingers become compressed inside a "tunnel" in the wrist by typing for extended period ending up in swelling of muscles that pinches the nerves in a hand and fingers. The symptoms for RSI include; tightness, discomfort, stiffness, soreness or burning in the hands, wrists, fingers, rearms, or elbow; pain that wakes you up at night; tingling, coldness or numbness in the hands; and loss of strength and coordination in the hands.

A few respondents reported experiencing those pains; most likely those acknowledged practicing poor ergonomic while keyboarding. Letting wrists floating in the air is the best position or behavior of wrist while keyboarding [8]. The most common mistake people make is to contort their hands to perform key combinations such as a shifted letter, CTR and Alt keys, the behaviors leading to experience numbness, tingling or loss of feeling in the little finger. Jonathan [8] recommends using one hand to hit the avoid strains caused by twisting hands while keyboarding.

Resting on a wrist rest, the table, or arm rests while typing reinforces twisting of a hand to reach some keys. It is recommended to keep hands moving freely above the keyboard to let the strong muscles of the arms move the

hands, and have a hand and wrist be level with each other, no angling up or down of the hand. They are level when the forearm is horizontal and parallel to the floor, and the upper arm hanging straight down [10]. Majority of the respondents (61 %) acknowledged keeping their wrists straight and bevel, while the rest usually bend their wrists far down or way back while typing.

The later could have displayed the effects arising from poor posture. Over 60 % of the respondents moved their hands around while typing and the rest keep their wrists rest and get stretched to hit keys with their fingers. RSI were the main problems the 477 respondents claimed to experience. These might be the impact of poor or bad wrist positioning while keyboarding for those who acknowledged practicing such unpleasant behaviors as well as those taking longer periods on computers without a break.

Eyestrain and discomfort resulting from staring at a computer monitor for extended periods are problems associated with computer usage. Looking at the monitor for extended periods can cause eyestrain [11]. It leads to problems like headaches, fatigue, and blurring of vision, dizziness, tingling, burning, tightness, sharp pains, dull pains, watering, double vision and other sensations are eye problems associated with computer maneuverings.

Major factors causing eyestrain when using computers are glare, luminance, contrast, reflections on-screen, the distance between eye and screen, and readability of the screen. MIR staff complained about the height problem, suffering from tired eyes as well as some discomforts accompanied by headaches. The time the respondents claimed to spend on computers before taking a break, the small font size (10-11) used

by a few, and practicing eye sight position at tops of the screens were possibly the sources of eyestrain and discomfort observed.

Majority of the staff hardly use the zooming function on the screen to improve readability. The staff involved in extensive use of computer keyboarding should be advised to condition themselves to take frequent very short breaks at short intervals and to use large font sizes and/or zooming function in order o correct the problems encountered while preventing themselves from further similar exposure risks. The screen should be kept 18-30 inches from ones eyes or about an arm's length [8].

Many people find a low monitor to be more comfortable for eyes and neck. Computer Safety recommends that the monitor be placed below the level of the head, and be tilted slightly upwards, so that the user gaze slightly downward, putting the neck in a more natural relaxed position. Most of the respondents (81 in this investigation claimed to position their eyes at the middle of the computer screen while working with computers. This position is not bad at all, however, the rest direct their eyes at the top of the screen.

Such a position is fine for posture, circulation and the extent of strain on the spine. The chair should allow the feet firmly on the floor or a footrest should be used to support the feet. Most chairs used by computer users in properly designed computer facilities and institutions have adjustments to make them comfortable to sit on and therefore preventing back pains. Recent research supports the idea of a much wider hip angle with 130 degrees or so as an optimum

angle .

When the hips are straightened, the vertebrae of the rower's spine are aligned with each other in a way that reduces and evens out the pressure on the invertebrate discs. Concerning MIR, 50% of all interviewees were complaining that the chairs they used to sit on do not support their legs in a horizontal position, and 32% of the respondents were complaining that their chairs do not allow their feet to touch the floor firmly. This might be the cause for the 63% of the respondents who complained about pains in the upper backs, shoulders and necks.

The costs of computer-related injuries in Tanzania can be enormous if the Government not take recreation and preventive measures to counter the growth of problems associated with computer usage. In the I-J and United States of America, the costs are dominated by RSI, which is now one of the top five occupational diseases in I-J [5], where over E million were spent to pay victims of RSI in 1997. The United States of America spent $20 billion in 1993 to pay compensation claims for RSI and other indirect costs were estimated to reach $100 billion .

This is really a challenge to not only MIR but to Tanzania in general where computers are increasingly becoming a common tool in offices and working places. This was Just for a single small entity in Tanzania, involving MIR. It is of interest to extend this study to a much larger sample involving more organizations nationwide to obtain results reflecting national character since this work shows that there is a problem.

 CONCLUSION

The outcomes of this study revealed existence of

health problems associated with practices and habits of computer users in MIR.

Previous studies revealed that most of the problems associated with the use of computer and its accessories can largely be attributed to improper use of computer input devices like aboard and output devices like monitor and insufficient knowledge about safe computer usage techniques and practices. The situation is similar at MIR resulting in the observed problems. All staff using or expected to use computers in their duties needs training on how to avoid or minimize computer related health problems.

Further, the Government of Tanzania and those of some of the developing countries could adopt lessons learned from the U. K and USA on how to manage the problems originating from computer work, with emphasis on preventive measures. Specific recommendations are provided here under.

VI. RECOMMENDATIONS

The recommendations given here provide a highlight on major aspects that computer users are supposed to abide to while working with those machines to avoid preventable hazards.

Educating users on the possible health risks associated with computer uses and some respective preventive measures against could definitely make a difference. A. Key Board and Mouse Improper use of keyboard and mouse can cause illness generally referred to RSI. Proper typing habit is recommended to with the forearms approximately parallel to the floor; using a slight touch on the keyboard, rather than pounding on it. Also, keyboard and mouse should be placed close together at about the same height to avoid a 478 twisted or reaching posture while using mouse.

Furthermore, the hands should be kept moving freely above the keyboard while typing, and both hands should be used while

typing key combinations such as shift, CTR or Alt keys rather than contorting one hand. One hand be used to hit the letter key and index finger of the opposite hand to hit the shift, CTR or Alt key while sitting centered over the part of the keyboard that one uses most and not centered over the number pad if it is never seed. One should avoid constant gripping or squeezing of the mouse. B. Monitor The monitor be kept far enough for comfortable reading to avoid eyestrain, preferably more than 20 inches from the eyes.

The monitor be placed low enough for it's top not to be above the horizontal line of sight to limit the need to tilt the head backward to see the screen and therefore prevent fatigues on the neck and shoulder muscles. The user to make sure that light sources whether natural or artificial are not reflected off you monitor's screen. Glare and reflection off the monitor can cause eye problems adding to blurred vision, preferably use flat screens setting the brightness and contrast control of the monitor properly for comfortable viewing.

The use of appropriate font size on the screen is advocated to prevent hunting of the shoulder forward to read. C. Ergonomic Behaviors The chair should be adjusted to allow placing feet firmly on the floor or a footrest, with the hip, slightly flexed and the knees kept at 60-90 degree angle. Adjustable chairs are recommended with a backrest of 6 to 9 inches high and at least 12 inches wide in the lumber region to make it comfortable to sit on. Note that sitting upright is less

desirable than reclining which makes the lower back muscles work less and the spine to support less weight.

Computer users should take frequent short breaks e. G. 30 second breaks every ten minutes while keeping hands away from the keyboard and letting arms drop at the side. Also they should change the sitting position every fifteen minutes by getting up from the chair and do a few exercises to loosen the neck and shoulder muscles. Those who perform more that 2 or 3 hours of keyboarding a day should take a break at least every 30 minutes. D. General All frequently used components such as monitor, aboard, and mouth be placed in front of the use so as not to have to turn the head from side to side.