Computers and Personal Electronic Devices

Objects

Hazards

Possible Controls

Monitor placement

• Computer screen is too high or too low 
• User wears bifocal glasses 
• Screen is too close to or too far from eyes 
• Screen tilt is incorrectly adjusted
• Dual screens

• Set monitor so employee can read top of screen without tilting head backwards to do so 
• Working documents should be located between the screen and keyboard or alongside the screen to ensure the same focal distances for both
• Spectacles with full corrective or multifocal lenses should be used
• Screen should be placed arms length away from the employee, with the top of the screen just above eye level
• Locate the monitor directly in front of the employee to reduce twisting of the neck and torso
• Place the screen with a tilt of 15 degrees up from vertical 
• Locating the two screens side by side to reduce back and neck twisting from one screen to another
• Slightly angle the screens towards one another to further reduce twisting
• Screen should be placed in front of you proportionally to the use (i.e. if one screen is used 90% of the time it should occupy 90% of the space in front of the operator)

Monitor type

• Monitor flickers at the screen edges

• Consider using LCD monitors as they are free from flicker at the screen edges

Keyboard and mouse height

• Keyboard / mouse is being used at the wrong height

• Arms should be parallel to floor when at rest 
• Use keyboard in a lowered position (i.e. fold away keyboard feet)
• Ensure wrists are in neutral position (i.e. if appropriate use wrist rest)

Keyboard and mouse placement and shape

• User is twisting to use keyboard / mouse
• Keyboard is being used too far away from body
• Mouse is being used too far away from keyboard
• Inappropriate keyboard size and / or shape for the user
• Inappropriate mouse size and / or shape for the user’s hand

• Keyboard should be used in front of screen or document holder (major viewing surface)
• Keyboard used directly in front of user
• Locate keyboard as near to the front edge of the desk to reduce reaching
• Locate mouse as close as possible to keyboard to reduce reaching
• Provide a style of keyboard / mouse which is comfortable for the user
• Provide a mouse which fits the size and natural shape of the user's hand
• Ensure appropriate surface for smooth operation of mouse

Documents used when keyboarding

• Excessive eye and neck movement from poor document position when keyboarding

• Use an A4 document holder placed level with and close to one side of the screen (for 'touch typists') 
• Use an A3 document holder above keyboard, and in front of screen (for non 'touch typists')

Personal electronic devices

• Personal electronic devices reduce awareness of surroundings (warning sounds, traffic)
• Headphones used to block background noise
• Music playing devices may damage hearing

• Consider developing policy about where and when it is appropriate to use personal electronic devices
• Including awareness of the dangers of personal electronic devices in induction
• Using stereo headphones (circumaural headphones) that cover the entire ear or in-ear headphones (canalphones) to block background noise instead of earbuds or earphones that are not capable of delivering the same dynamic range and consequently often used at a higher volume 
• Display appropriate signage about responsible use of personal electronic devices

Operator

• Tasks that may cause body fatigue and stressing
• Lack of task variety, prolonged time spent in one position
• Tasks that may cause eyes to become irritated, strained or blurred

• Conduct a workstation assessment before operator begins work (i.e. desk height, chair adjustment, keyboard / mouse / screen position)
• Have appropriate signage / computer applications to remind employees to take breaks and guidance on appropriate stretching exercises
• To reduce risks of body fatigue and or stressing from repetitive tasks, implement task variety to reduce the risk
• Provide appropriate training to employees to encourage appropriate posture, regular breaks, stretching exercises and eye health management (blinking regularly to lubricate the eye and focusing on objects away from a screen)