assessment task 1 Essay

assessment task 1 Essay assessment task 1 Essay 1. List 5 potential O.H.S hazards that could occur whilst using computers, and suggest strategies to minimise the risk. Some hazards that could occur whilst using the computer may include; Poor posture Excessive duration in a seated position Incorrect setup of workstation Glare Repetitive movements Strategies to minimise risk may include; All new staff to complete online ergonomics course Adjustable chairs, desks and ergonomic accessories such as document holders are available for staff to use Individual staff are responsible for taking breaks and doing stretches Staff are advised to report any symptoms ASAP 2. List 5 ways in which you can improve the overall layout of your work area to increase work effectiveness and decrease hazards 5 ways in which you can improve the overall layout of your work area to increase work effectiveness and decrease hazards include; Taking time to arrange your work area to keep frequently used items within easy reach and to minimize excessive bending and twisting. Typical things you can do: Arrange your work area so that you are facing the computer monitor with the keyboard directly in line with the monitor. To avoid unnecessary reach, make sure that your input device is positioned directly to the left or right of your keyboard on the same surface. Place accessories and other items such as your phone, reference materials and other frequently used objects within easy reach (try to keep your elbows at your sides). You may want to clear your work surface of clutter to provide necessary space to organize things efficiently. Place your document holder as close to the monitor screen as possible. Typically, these devices allow you to position documents right next to the screen or between the screen and the keyboard. If you use a phone on a consistent basis, a headset can allow you to work more comfortably. These devices come with many features and functions, so be sure to select a headset that best meets your job requirements. 3. Find your OHS manual and type out or attach the requirements listed for computer operation in your workplace. YOUR WORKSTATION - THE CHAIR SEAT: Height: Raise/lower the seat to enable the desk height to be at your elbow height. If you are a "touch typist", you may sit slightly higher. Adjust chair height so the feet are comfortably flat on the floor, the thighs are approximately horizontal and the lower legs approximately vertical. Tilt (if available) Set to horizontal initially, although you may wish to adjust the tilt slightly forward to suit your comfort. BACK REST: Height: Move the backrest to locate the lumbar support to the curve of your lower back. Lock the backrest into place. Angle: Use your body weight to lean back against the backrest. Depress the control lever to enable the back rest to change the angle. Frequent posture changes encourages blood flow to different muscle groups which helps minimize back fatigue when sitting for prolonged periods. ARM RESTS: Armrests are usually not recommended unless they are well out of the way of the desk. However, if your chair has arm rests make sure that they do not prevent you from getting as close to the desk as you require or that they impinge on your elbows while you are working FOOT RESTS: Use a foot rest if you feel pressure under your thighs from the front edge of your seat. A foot rest is also useful to address lower back fatigue when sitting for long periods. Pushing your feet into the foot rest helps to push your back into the angled back rest of the chair. YOUR WORKSTATION - THE DESK POSITION ON THE DESK Place the keyboard as close to the front edge of the desk as is comfortable. Do not place documents between the keyboard and the front edge of the desk, as this increases the reach distance to the keyboard and may result in excessive bending of the neck to look at the documents. Where possible, layout should be reorganised to bring frequently used objects closer to the user