Title: Health Hazards Related to Computer use: Experience of the National Institute for Medical Research in Tanzania
Author: V. P. Mvungi, J. Mcharo, M. E. Mmbuji, L. E. Mgonja, and A. Y. Kitu
Publisher: World Academy of Science, Engineering and Technology
Abstract
This paper is based on a study conducted in 2006 to assess the impact of computer usage on health of National Institute for Medical Research (NIMR) staff. NIMR being a research Institute, most of its staff spend substantial part of their working time on computers. There was notion among NIMR staff on possible prolonged computer usage health hazards. Hence, a study was conducted to establish facts and possible mitigation measures. A total of 144 NIMR staff were involved in the study of whom 63.2% were males and 36.8% females aged between 20 and 59 years. All staff cadres were included in the sample. The functions performed by Institute staff using computers includes; data management, proposal development and report writing, research activities, secretarial duties, accounting and administrative duties, on-line information retrieval and online communication through e-mail services. The interviewed staff had been using computers for 1-8 hours a day and for a period ranging from 1 to 20 years. The study has indicated ergonomic hazards for a significant proportion of interviewees (63%) of various kinds ranging from backache to eyesight related problems. The authors highlighted major issues which are substantially applicable in preventing occurrences of computer related problems and they urged NIMR Management and/or the government of Tanzania opts to adapt their practicability (Mvungi, et al.).
Three things I learned from the article:
1. Computer users are exposed to a number of computer-related injuries and health problems due to prolonged use of computers. The most common health problems that computer users encountered is ergonomic hazard such as eye strain, back pains, and carpal tunnel syndrome.
2. In United Kingdom, there is a legislation to protect computer users from computer-related health problems. The said legislation aims to make sure that all employers provide their employees with work stations that meet the required specifications to avoid strains and discomfort. Also, users should have regular breaks from computer works. Eye tests and special glasses should also be provided upon request.
3. Computer users should be given sufficient knowledge and proper training in using computers, most importantly, the proper use of computer input and output devices such as the keyboard and monitor. With the knowledge and proper training, computer health hazards can be prevented or kept at a minimum.
Application/Implication of what I've learned to my work/to me as a person:
As one of the million users of computer, I should be more cautious in using the computer to prevent ergonomic hazards. We cannot avoid using computer but we can avoid the health problems by being knowledgeable and cautious every time we use it.
No comments:
Post a Comment