Health & Safety Concerns For Screen Users Everywhere

The majority of people in the workplace today use screens at some point or another. It might be a normal display environment as used on a desk as part of a desktop computer, it might be the screen of a laptop or tablet. It could even just be a smartphone. Then there are the giant screens used for video conferencing in many offices. Whatever the screen type or size, it is important to make sure that their use is not affecting health and safety too much. There are actually a number of concerns around this which all employers and employees need to be aware of. Let’s take a look at some of them now.

Back Pain

A lot of the problems associated with screen use have to do with other parts of the same process, too, such as sitting at a desk all day. Screens can often worsen it, however, as they can have an impact on the kind of way that you hold yourself, your posture at the desk. So if you are not careful, before long you will develop some lower or upper back pain which is then hard to get rid of, or which might even cause your back to seize up for a short while. Keep your time spent at the desk short, and ensure you focus on keeping your posture straight and natural.

RSI

Another common problem for anyone who uses a screen is Repetitive Strain Injury. RSI can affect anyone who has to do anything repetitively with the same muscles, and it is something that can strike at any age and no matter your overall health. In order to avoid it, you need to make sure that you have the proper training with how to use the equipment you are using, even if that is a normal computer. With EssentialSkillz DSE training you will find this easier, and you’ll also find that carrying out a few basic wrist and forearm exercises every now and then will help too.

Strain In Legs & Feet

You might also experience strain in the legs and feet from sitting at the desk and looking at the screen all day. To help to keep these problems down, you can think about exercising your feet in small ways under the desk, so that you can hope to keep the blood flowing and to avoid the bones cramping up. This is simple enough to do, but you need to actually remember it - consider setting an alarm every hour and then doing exercises when it goes off.

Headaches

Of course, we all know that looking at a screen for too long can cause headaches. These are generally associated with an over-straining of the eyes, and it is one of the most persistent annoyances screen users face. To avoid it, make sure you take your eyes off the screen regularly for a few minutes, ideally looking somewhere in the distance if possible. That should help to avoid the strain on your eyes, and avoid the headaches returning.