Basic 8 · Computing · Health and Safety in Using ICT Tools
Safety Measures for Risk Reduction at Workstations
In this topic you will discuss safety measures that reduce health and safety risks at computer workstations, including ergonomic equipment, electrical protection, good habits and workplace policies.
By the end of these notes you should be able to:
- Describe ergonomic measures that reduce health risks
- Describe electrical and environmental safety measures
- Explain healthy work habits and policies for risk reduction
What you already know
- Health issues and workstation assessment
Copy everything that has a blue line on its left into your notebook. The other parts are for reading.
Lesson 1
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Health and Safety in Using ICT Tools
- Indicator
- B8.1.3.1.2 – Discuss safety measures in risk reduction at workstations
Introduction
Once risks are identified, they must be reduced. Small changes to equipment and habits can make a big difference to health.
1. The Hierarchy of Control
Safety experts follow an order when reducing risks. First, eliminate the hazard if possible, for example by replacing a broken chair. Next, substitute or engineer a safer option, such as fitting a screen filter. Then use administrative controls, such as rules and timetables for breaks. Finally, use personal measures, such as good posture and eye exercises.
2. Ergonomic Equipment
| Equipment | How it reduces risk |
|---|---|
| adjustable chair with lumbar support | supports the lower back and correct posture |
| monitor stand or arm | raises the screen to eye level |
| anti-glare screen filter | reduces reflections and eye strain |
| ergonomic keyboard and mouse | keep wrists in a natural position |
| wrist rest | supports wrists during pauses |
| footrest | supports feet when they do not reach the floor |
| document holder | keeps papers at screen height |
| headset | prevents neck strain during calls |
3. Healthy Work Habits
- Sit correctly with your back supported and feet flat.
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
- Take a short break every hour to stand, stretch and walk.
- Alternate tasks so you do not type or click for too long.
- Blink often and adjust screen brightness to the room.
- Drink water and eat healthy snacks.
- Avoid screens for an hour before bed.
4. Simple Exercises
Desk exercises reduce stiffness: roll the shoulders backwards, gently tilt the head to each side, stretch the arms above the head, open and close the hands, rotate the wrists and stand up and walk for a minute. Doing these regularly keeps muscles relaxed and blood flowing.
5. Making Healthy Habits Stick
Habits form through repetition. Set reminders on your phone or computer for breaks, place a posture chart where you can see it and ask a friend to remind you to sit correctly. After a few weeks, good posture and regular breaks become automatic, protecting your health for years.
New words
- hierarchy of control
- The order of methods for reducing risks.
- lumbar support
- Support for the lower back.
- screen filter
- A cover that reduces glare.
- 20-20-20 rule
- A rule for resting the eyes during screen use.
Summary
- Reduce risks by eliminating hazards, using safer equipment, setting rules and practising good habits.
- Ergonomic equipment includes adjustable chairs, monitor stands, screen filters and wrist rests.
- Healthy habits include correct posture, regular breaks, the 20-20-20 rule and desk exercises.
Class activity: Healthy Habits Routine
- Practise correct sitting posture at the computers.
- Lead a two-minute desk exercise routine.
- Set a timer to practise the 20-20-20 rule during the lesson.
You need: Computer chair, Keyboard, Printed workstation-posture chart
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. Support for the lower back is called…
- A. lumbar support
- B. wrist rest
- C. footrest
- D. headset
Show answer
Answer: lumbar supportLower back.2. A screen filter mainly reduces…
- A. glare
- B. noise
- C. heat
- D. electricity use
Show answer
Answer: glareReflections.3. Taking a short break every hour reduces strain.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueRest.4. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds: the 20-20-______ rule.
Show answer
Answer: 20Eye rest.5. State four healthy habits for computer users.
Show answer
Answer: Correct posture, regular breaks, 20-20-20 rule, drink water (or alternate tasks, desk exercises).Any four.6. Explain the hierarchy of control with an example.
Show answer
Answer: First remove the hazard (replace a broken chair), then use safer equipment (screen filter), then rules (break timetable), then personal habits (posture).Order of control.
Lesson 2
- Strand
- Introduction To Computing
- Sub-strand
- Health and Safety in Using ICT Tools
- Indicator
- B8.1.3.1.2 – Discuss safety measures in risk reduction at workstations
Introduction
Workstations are not only about chairs and screens. Electricity, the room environment and good policies also keep users safe.
1. Electrical Safety Measures
| Measure | Purpose |
|---|---|
| surge-protected power strip | protects equipment from sudden voltage rises |
| uninterruptible power supply (UPS) | gives backup power during outages so work can be saved |
| voltage stabiliser | keeps voltage steady, useful where power fluctuates |
| proper earthing | prevents electric shocks |
| cable management (ties, covers, trays) | prevents tripping and damage to cables |
| regular inspection | finds damaged plugs and cables early |
In Ghana, power outages and fluctuations can damage computers and cause loss of work. A UPS allows users to save and shut down properly, and surge protectors prevent damage when power returns suddenly.
2. Environmental Measures
The room should be well lit without glare, with screens at right angles to windows. Ventilation or air conditioning keeps the room cool, because heat makes users tired and can damage equipment. Noise should be kept low to reduce stress. Floors should be clear of bags and cables, and fire extinguishers (CO₂) should be available and serviced.
3. Policies and Rules
| Policy | Benefit |
|---|---|
| scheduled breaks | reduce strain and fatigue |
| workstation assessments for new users | catch risks early |
| training on correct posture and equipment use | builds good habits |
| reporting system for faults and discomfort | quick action on problems |
| social media and screen-time guidelines | reduce stress and distraction |
| emergency procedures | quick response to fire or electric shock |
4. School Laboratory Example
A school laboratory can reduce risks by installing a UPS for the server, tidying cables with ties, fitting blinds on windows, posting a posture chart, scheduling five-minute breaks in long practical lessons and appointing a learner each week to report faults. These measures protect both learners and equipment.
5. Responding to Emergencies
Even with good measures, emergencies can happen. If someone receives an electric shock, switch off the power at the mains before touching them and call for help. If a computer catches fire, switch off the power and use a CO₂ extinguisher; never use water. Everyone in the laboratory should know the exit routes and where the extinguisher is kept.
New words
- UPS
- An uninterruptible power supply that provides backup power.
- surge protector
- A device that protects equipment from voltage spikes.
- earthing
- Connecting electrical equipment to the ground for safety.
- policy
- A set of rules for an organisation.
Summary
- Electrical measures include surge protectors, UPS units, stabilisers, earthing and cable management.
- Environmental measures include good lighting, ventilation, low noise, clear floors and fire safety.
- Policies such as breaks, assessments, training and reporting systems reduce risks.
Class activity: Laboratory Safety Plan
- Inspect the computer laboratory for electrical and environmental risks.
- Propose measures using surge protectors, cable ties and policies.
- Present a safety plan to the teacher.
You need: Screen filter, Surge-protected power strip, Printed socket-safety chart
Exercises
Answer in your exercise book first, then check your answers.
1. A device that gives backup power during an outage is a…
- A. UPS
- B. scanner
- C. router
- D. speaker
Show answer
Answer: UPSUninterruptible power supply.2. A surge protector protects equipment from…
- A. voltage spikes
- B. viruses
- C. dust
- D. heat
Show answer
Answer: voltage spikesElectrical surges.3. Cables should be tidied to prevent tripping.
- A. True
- B. False
Show answer
Answer: TrueCable management.4. A set of rules for an organisation is a ______.
Show answer
Answer: policyRules.5. State three electrical safety measures at workstations.
Show answer
Answer: Surge protectors, UPS, cable management (or earthing, inspection).Any three.6. Explain why a UPS is useful in Ghana.
Show answer
Answer: Power outages can cause loss of unsaved work and damage; a UPS gives time to save and shut down safely.Outages.
Homework
- Identify the electrical safety measures used at home or in a nearby business centre.