Computer health and safety at work

Under health and safety law, you must ensure that computer equipment, furniture and the working environment meet certain requirements. They must be easy to adjust to each person's needs.

Computer screens

In most cases computer screens should:

• tilt and swivel to suit the needs of the user
• be adjusted to the correct height for the user - either using a separate base or an adjustable table
• show clear characters with enough spacing
• show a stable image with no flickering
• have easily adjustable brightness and contrast controls
• be free of reflected glare
• have a screen size suitable for its intended use

You should also ensure that users:

• know how to adjust brightness and contrast controls to suit lighting conditions
• keep the screen surface clean
• know how to adjust software settings to make text large enough to read easily
• take frequent breaks

Keyboards

Keyboards should:

• be tilt-adjustable and separate from the screen to allow the user to work comfortably
• have enough space in front of them to allow the user to rest their hands and arms when not keying
• be legible and have a matt surface to minimise glare

You should also ensure that users:

• adjust the keyboard to a comfortable position
• keep their wrists straight when typing
• use the keys lightly and don't overstretch their fingers
• take frequent breaks

Pointing devices

If an employee uses a mouse, trackball or other pointing device for long periods, they may develop problems in their hands, wrists or upper body.

You can minimise risk by:

• training the user to use the mouse with a relaxed arm and a straight wrist
• informing the user that their fingers should rest lightly on the buttons and not press too hard
• limiting the length of intensive sessions using pointing devices
• ensuring users take frequent short breaks
• ensuring the device is suitable for the task
• training the user in keyboard shortcuts
• training the user to adjust the software settings - these control the reaction time between the mouse and the cursor on the screen

Portable computers

These same controls will also reduce the risks associated with portable computers, which include laptops and tablets. However, the following may also help reduce manual handling, fatigue and postural problems:

• consider potential risks from manual handling if users have to carry heavy equipment and papers
• whenever possible, users should be encouraged to use a docking station or firm surface and a full-sized keyboard and mouse
• the height and position of the portable’s screen should be angled so that the user is sitting comfortably and reflection is minimised (raiser blocks are commonly used to help with screen height)
• more changes in activity may be needed if the user cannot minimise the risks of prolonged use and awkward postures to suitable levels
• while portable systems not in prolonged use are excluded from the regulations, some jobs will use such devices intermittently and to support the main tasks - any employer who provides such equipment still has to risk assess and take steps to reduce residual risks