Consumer Rights & Job Safety

Heath & Safety for Computer Operator

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Objects	Hazards	Possible Controls
Chair selection	Chair is not the appropriate size Poor back support Front edge of seat insufficiently rounded and / or padded User misjudges height of stool or slips or overbalances whilst getting on or off	Have an ergonomic assessment undertaken Try chairs of different styles and dimensions until user feels secure, has adequate support and feels comfortable When purchasing new chairs specify seat pans to have a well padded rounded ‘waterfall edge’ Alert all users of high chairs or stools of the need for particular care when getting on or off these
Chair / desk adjustment	Chair / desk height is incorrectly adjusted User does not understand how to use the adjusting mechanisms correctly Adjusting mechanism is not working Chair has no tilt adjustment for the seat pan Gas strut leaks and chair won’t maintain height setting	Chair height is correctly adjusted when the entire sole of the foot can rest on the floor, and the back of the knee is slightly clear of edge of seat Adjust desk to allow operator to adopt appropriate posture (if desk is adjustable) Have all staff trained how to adjust their chairs correctly obeying ergonomic principles Arrange periodic inspection and repair or replace any chairs with faulty adjustment mechanisms When purchasing new chairs specify seat pans to have an adjustable tilt angle Arrange periodic check of all chairs / desks for required maintenance
Stability	Chair can tip over when user leans over too far Chairs / stools with castors when used on non-carpeted floors may roll away when sitting	Check that chair is fitted with a 5 star base Replace office chairs with less than a 5 star base Ensure chairs or stools to be used on non-carpeted floors are fitted with glides not castors
Armrests	Narrow clearance between armrest and bottom of desk Armrests obstruct correct keyboarding position Armrests prevent chair from sliding under desk	If appropriate adjust or remove armrests to prevent jamming injuries When purchasing new chairs, specify adjustable armrests to ensure proper height is achievable If appropriate remove armrests to allow user to adopt good posture by sitting closer to desk
Desk selection	Desk is too shallow to allow user sufficient room to conduct tasks User is unable to access desk appropriately Desk can not be adjusted appropriately	Review the tasks to be conducted at the workstation Select a desk that allows the user enough room to store and use the required equipment for the tasks Where appropriate supply additional workspace for specific tasks (e.g. mail sorting) Consider providing adjustable desks
Foot rests	Feet are not able to rest comfortably on floor Thighs are pressing too hard on edge of seat	Adjust chair and desk to avoid using a foot rest Use a footrest which allows feet to be placed flat on its surface with thighs just clear of seat edge

Source:  Australian Government- ComCare, http://www.comcare.gov.au/virtual_workplaces/virtual_office/office/computers_and_personal_electronic_devices