Safety and Health issues in IT industries

•Using computers for Efficient Project Delivery explores “best practices” for the seamless sharing of information throughout all phases of the project delivery process.

•Various hazards both health and safety hazards are associated with the IT Industry, some of which are well known  to computer users such as Visual Display Terminal (VDT) hazards, Carpel Tunnel Syndrom (CTS), and of course the most prominent, is the Back pain.

What are the Hazards?

•People in the workplace suffer from a range of problems which can affect their health, motivation and ultimately productivity.

•Typical examples include:  

•Repetitive strain (RSI)

•Neck strain

•Back pain

•Sore joints  Postural problems

Visual Display Terminal (VDT)

•Visual Display Terminal (VDT) There are many problems associated with viewing visual display terminals (VDTs),

•but the main one is that of reflected images in the VDT screen. This is related largely to lighting, but it also relates to other aspects of the interior design; it is a pervasive problem that must be addressed by the architect.

• There are many different ways to solve the problem of reflections. its nature, and with this understanding to solve it in effective and creative ways.

Single hand typying, Too bright screen, Too small print to  read,Crowded work place

Visual Display Terminal related Issues

•Two general strategies may be followed that address these issues.

• Bright, high-contrast, reflected images should be reduced below the threshold of perception,

• and distinct, sharply focused, reflected images should be reduced below the acuity limit of perception.

•Both of these strategies are based on fundamental properties of the human visual system, and both have specific design implications and recommended solutions.

Understanding Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)

•Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs)
 To understand Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs), it is necessary to understand how the body works.

•Body movements are produced by contracting and relaxing muscles.

• The muscles are attached to bones by tendons. Tendons are smooth, and in some parts of the body they glide back and forth inside tubes called synovial sheaths.

• The sheath produces a lubricant called synovial fluid to help the tendons glide easily.

• CTDs result when repeated stress is placed on the tendons, muscles, or nerves causing inflammation or damage.

The following are some of the most common CTDs:

•Tendonitis – inflammation of the tendons Tenosynovitis – inflammation of the synovial sheath

• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome – results when the median nerve is compressed, either from the swelling of tendons and sheaths or from repeated bending of the wrist

Some of the conditions that may lead to CTDs are:

•Repetition – long or concentrated hours of typing or using a mouse

• Posture – long hours of sitting in the same position while typing, especially if it is in an uncomfortable or poorly supported position, or if the wrists are bent

• Lack of Rest – intensive hours at the keyboard with few breaks

Symptoms of CTDs:

•Tingling or numbness in the hands or fingers

•Pain in fingers, hands, wrists, or even shooting up into the arms or forearms

•  Loss of strength or coordination in the hands

• Numbness or discomfort in the hands which wakes you up at night

Controls 

•You should design your office in such a way that the glare from overhead lights, desk lamps, and windows is reduced to a maximum.  

• Your office room should be designed in such a way as to maintain appropriate air circulation. 

• Do not sit directly under air conditioning vents that push air right on top of you.

Primary and secondary work zones