The law stipulates that employers have a duty to manage health and safety aspects of their working environments, minimising the risk of their employees being harmed. The use of computers can lead to long-term health issues and employers must be vigilant about common causes of health problems, such as: • Heating and lighting • Furniture • Computer hardware • Noise • Toxins 

RSI can present itself in areas anywhere from the neck down along the shoulder and arm to the fingers. On-going movement of the muscles and tendons within these body parts leads to pain, stiffness, swelling, weakness or numbness in the affected areas. RSI can be caused by continuous use of the mouse and keyboard. Gamers may develop the condition in their hands from intense overuse of a joypad. 

Preventing, reducing and managing RSI can involve: 

• Taking regular breaks 

• Moving and changing sitting position regularly 

• Exercise • Using ergonomic keyboards and mice or switching to joysticks 

• Choosing furniture that supports good posture and is adjustable 

• Use wrist rests 

Poor posture at an office desk, when using a portable device or a gaming console can lead to immobilising back problems where the muscles in the spine become inflamed or tight. Back strain amongst computer users can be prevented or managed by: 

• Choosing adjustable furniture with good lumbar (lower back) support 

• Making an effort to sit with good posture 

• Exercise 

• Regular breaks involving getting up and moving around 

• Use foot rests 

Continuous exposure to computer screens and working where glare affects the screen can leave your eyes blurry and cause headaches. Eye strain can be prevented and managed by: 

• Getting regular eye tests, which employers have a duty to provide in some circumstances 

• Using anti-glare screen technology 

• Adjusting screens so that they do not reflect glare 

• Setting the screen’s brightness and contrast to appropriate levels 

• Managing incoming sunlight with blinds, curtains and screens 

Employers by law should provide a safe working environment for an employee. They should: 

• Install fire extinguishers (powder and CO2 ) 

• Train staff and practise drills 

• Provide ergonomically designed furniture 

• Make sure there is sufficient desk space 

• Pay for regular eye tests 

• Provide suitable lighting 

• Keeping equipment in good repair 

• Avoiding trailing wires 

• Disallowing the overloading of sockets 

• Having electrical infrastructure and equipment checked regularly 

• Dispose of damaged WEEE (Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment) properly 

• Enable the temperature to be controlled to avoid stress and discomfort 

• Use anti-static carpet or provide anti-static straps to dissipate any static build-up 

• Disallow snacking around electrical equipment 

• Keep plants away from computers if they must be watered