Computer users feeling the strain

Three-quarters of workers in Europe suffer health problems as a result of working on computers, a new report has claimed.

A survey by monitor manufacturer CTX found that backache was the most common complaint, followed by sore eyes and headaches.

The company said that its findings signalled a failure on the part of employers to conduct adequate health and safety training.

Jordan Popov, product development manager at CTX, said in a statement: "It may seem basic, but showing people how to sit properly and explaining how to adjust their monitor should be a priority for HR and IT departments."

The issue is likely to become even more pressing as governments wake up to the health risks of modern office work.

Legislators across Europe are considering how to tackle the issue, and the government will publish mandatory guidelines next year on the use of office equipment by public sector workers.

CTX's survey also found that 44 per cent of respondents work at their screen for more than 40 hours a week. In the early 1990s, a number of companies faced claims for compensation after employees working intensively on PCs developed repetitive strain injury.

Following this, awareness of the importance of ergonomics and the need for regular screen breaks rose considerably. But in recent years it has dropped off sharply as a new generation has entered the workforce.

This may partly be down to progress among the manufacturers. "We have focused much of our product research and development on ergonomic features to reflect customer feedback and industry requirements," said Popov.

But with health complaints on the rise again, CSX is urging businesses to take six simple steps to protect staff from unnecessary problems:

1. Make sure the monitor is at eye level and adjust the chair if necessary
2. Screen should be bright enough to prevent squinting, but not so bright that it dazzles
3. Use comfortable chairs with back support
4. Ensure that employees are able to tilt screens rather than having to move their neck
5. Monitors should have high contrast and good viewing angles
6. Encourage staff to take regular screen breaks

Source: CTX