General
Computer Question 21: Are there health considerations when using
computers?
Answer: When new devices and new tasks are introduced
into the workplace, there is bound to be concern about a person's prolonged
exposure to these new conditions. With the growing computerization of
businesses, there has been a great deal of concern about exposure to the types
of screens that are commonly used in computers, screens based on the cathode-ray
tube ( CRT). There has been discussion that prolonged
exposure to CRT screens might cause tumors, cataracts, or that they might cause
problems for pregnant women. While the evidence related to the use of CRT
screens is complicated and produces no clear-cut indications, it is a concern
that should not be taken lightly. Today, new CRT screens have been designed to
limit the emissions they give off and many are now purchasing these types of
screens.
Other problems related to the use of
computers are less mysterious: eyestrain, headaches, backaches, neck pain, and
wrist pain can result from extended use of keyboards, monitors, and mice. If an
employee is going to use a computer for long periods of time, it is important
that employers provide a good ergonomic design for the work
environment. Ergonomics involves the study of how humans use devices such as
computers. Ergonomic research has yielded many guidelines for the design of
safe and comfortable computer workplaces, and these guidelines should be
utilized by all businesses that use computers.
Some ergonomic considerations are
summarized in the table below.
Chair
|
Should be soft and comfortable
(but not too soft). Should allow user to adjust seat height, arm rests, angle
and height of backrest. Backrest should support curve of user's spine. Arm
rests should allow freedom of movement and should be at a height to allow
arms to be at a 90 degree angle while typing.
|
|
Wrist
Rests
|
Should allow wrist to rest at
keyboard height while typing.
|
|
Keyboard
Height
|
User's arms should be at 90 degree
angle with elbows resting on chair's arm rests.
|
|
Computer
Screen
|
The top of the screen should be
level with the top of the user's head. Distance from the user's eyes to the
computer screen should be between 30 and 48 inches. Light source should not
be coming from behind the the computer screen, and it should not reflect in
screen. Glare protection may be required for some screens.
|
|
Foot
Rest
|
Should be adjustable to differing
angles and heights.
|
|
Ergonomic Considerations in the Computer Workplace
|
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Answer: Computer-aided engineering (CAE)
programs simulate effects of conditions such as wind, temperature, weight, and
stress on product designs and materials. Examples include the use of computers
to test stresses on bridges or on airplane wings before the products are built.
CAE systems generally require very powerful (and expensive) computer systems.
However, the time and money that can be saved during the development and
testing stages of a product are significant and usually worth the expense.
Answer: Computer-aided manufacturing
( CAM) involves the use of computers to control production
equipment. CAM Software can control such equipment as drilling, lathe, and
mailing machines as well as robots. CAM is the total integration of the
manufacturing process using computers. Through the use of highly specialized
computer programs, individual production processes are linked so that the
production flow is balanced and optimized. These systems can control product
flow, at an even rate, throughout a production site.
Answer: Once a product design has moved to the
production stage, robotics can be utilized in the actual
manufacturing of the product. Today, many manufacturers use robots for such
tasks as spot welding, drilling, lath work, and product assembly. Although the
first generation of robots had significant utility in manufacturing, new
generations of robots are being developed that are even more impressive,
possessing human-like features of vision, tactile senses, and the ability to
grip fragile objects.
Answer: Another trend in computers, the use of
artificial intelligence ( AI) programs, gives
computers the capability to learn from past events. Some AI programs are
already being used to provide expert advice, control robots that learn, or to
recognize objects by shape and size. Artificial intelligence programs are
expected to give computers new capabilities for understanding the human voice
and for interpreting a user's natural language responses to programs.
Answer: Although, all computer information systems are
designed for the purpose of storing and accessing information, there are
several different potential implementations. They are described below.
- Centralized information system: Generally based on a centrally located mainframe
where all processing and storage operations take place at a central
location. This type of system is usually designed to computerize a variety
of operations within the organization. For example, by using a large,
central computer, a business can computerize its order entry, inventory
control, billing, and accounting operations. Using a centralized system,
computer communications will undoubtedly be used to transmit data
electronically between locations. And although storage and processing take
place at the central location on the mainframe, the input and output of
data can be performed using terminals and printers at widely dispersed
locations. One or more centralized computers may be used to handle an
organization's web access system.
- Decentralized information system: Uses separate computers - usually minicomputers or
microcomputers - within individual departments. Sometimes there is a
central mini or mainframe computer for applications that are shared
between groups, but the basic design gives control of computers to
individual departments. A decentralized information system is illustrated
below.
- While the use of networked computers solves some of the problems of decentralized systems, the network's communication systems are themselves complex and may require additional software, hardware, and technical support personnel. Many organizations provide one or more trained network managers to oversee network communications and to develop data-sharing programs and procedures. In addition, most organization now must develop specialized programs and staff to support their internet-based information systems.
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