HEALTH AND SAFETY WHEN
USING COMPUTERS AT HOME
Introduction
The purpose of these guidelines is to draw attention to the need to consider the way in which
members work at home and the effect it may have on their health. The advice set out below
concentrates on the health and safety issues related to use of computers, since these have
the potential to seriously damage health when working at home. By far the greatest threat to
health when working at home, however, results from working too many hours.
The `Further Information’ section at the end of this document sets out sources of guidance on
teachers’ workload. Members should speak to their NUT school representative in the first
instance, or to their division secretary or to a member of staff at their NUT Regional/Wales
Office, for support on workload issues.
Computers at Home
Work with computers can give rise to back pain, RSI or visual discomfort. Members are
advised to ask themselves the following questions.

Does the desk or table allow a comfortable position for thighs, knees, lower legs and
feet and for the arms and wrists?

Is the computer positioned so as to prevent sources of light from causing glare and
reflections on the screen?

Does the keyboard tilt and is there sufficient space in front to rest hands or arms?

Does the display screen offer a stable screen image without flicker and does it tilt and
swivel? Is it glare and reflection-free?

Is the work chair stable and comfortable, with adjustable height and tilt?

Are regular breaks taken? (The Health and Safety Executive advises that short breaks
of 5 – 10 minutes every 50 – 60 minutes should be taken, while the RSI Association
recommends a break of five minutes after every half hour of keyboard work.)

Are pregnant women aware of the need to adapt their workstation to their specific
needs, for example by adjusting the chair or providing extra back support?

Are regular eye tests carried out? The Display Screen Equipment Regulations give
certain categories of display screen users the right to regular eye tests paid for by the
employer. If the test indicates that corrective spectacles for display screen work are
required, then the employer should meet reasonable costs. The NUT believes that any
NUT Health & Safety Briefing: Health and Safety when Using Computers at Home
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teacher required to work with a display screen, whether at school or at home, should
be provided with regular free eye tests.

Are members aware of the symptoms of repetitive strain injuries, including pain,
numbness or discomfort in the muscles, tendons, nerves and joints of the hand, wrist,
forearm, elbow and upper arm, and how to avoid developing such problems through
use of regular breaks, adjustable keyboards and wrist rests?

Are there any slipping/tripping hazards caused by trailing wires?
Use of Laptop/Notebook Computers
When using a laptop/notebook, it is important to:



place the laptop/notebook on a firm surface (not on the lap) at the right height for
keying;
sit comfortably; and
angle the screen to minimize reflections.
Particular considerations apply to the use of portable laptop/notebook computers, which may
belong to individuals or to the school. They have to be compact enough to be easy to carry,
resulting in design compromises like smaller keyboards and screens. Laptop work is therefore
less comfortable than work at standard sized equipment during prolonged use. Careful
consideration needs to be given to where and how laptops are used at home.
Members who are considering buying a portable computer, may wish to consider the advice of
the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). The HSE suggests that the following ergonomic
factors be taken into account when making a decision:



Choose a lighter model of 3kg or less, with a large and clear screen (14 inch diagonal
or more;
Select one with the longest battery life possible;
Choose a lightweight carry case with handle and shoulder straps.
‘BlackBerries’ and Tablet Computers
The recent surge in the use of BlackBerries and other similar portable handheld
communications devices has led to questions as to their safety. The main hazards inherent in
such equipment are:



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repetitive strain injury (RSI). The small size of the keyboards fitted on such devices
can lead to RSI problems such as the ‘Blackberry thumb’;
musculo-skeletal disorders arising from the posture adopted when using tablets and
other mobile devices;
eye strain and visual fatigue caused by squinting to view the small screen; and
stress - arising from the fact that the device is always on, so the user feels that he or
she is always at work.
Other hazards stem from the locations in which such portable devices are used. Back pain
and general musculo-skeletal disorders can arise from their use in unsuitable places such as
trains and cafes. Fears of theft of the equipment lead to stress and anxiety about personal
safety, whilst for those who literally use such technology ‘on the move’ there is the very real
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NUT Health & Safety Briefing: Health and Safety when Using Computers at Home
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risk of injuries arising as a result of slips, trips and falls.
Small communications devices are of course subject to the Display Screen Equipment
Regulations 1992, if they are in use for prolonged periods as part of someone’s work. The
HSE is aware of anecdotal reports of wrist and thumb pain arising from the heavy use of
thumbs in typing words onto such handheld devices, and advises that any such risks should
be managed in the normal way, i.e. the employer should carry out a risk assessment as they
would for a laptop computer. The HSE also recommends that BlackBerry users should avoid
heavy useage of the equipment in poor working environments, such as where the conditions
are cramped or there is inadequate lighting. Where full-sized DSE equipment is available, e.g.
back in the office, there is no need to use small palm-top devices, and BlackBerry users are
advised to take more frequent breaks to compensate for the ergonomic disadvantages
inherent in the equipment.
Many teachers now make use of tablet computers. These devices offer convenience and
flexibility but can pose their own health and safety problems. For example, there is a
tendency when using a tablet device to adopt an awkward posture which can lead to
discomfort with prolonged use. Researchers from Harvard University have found that tablet
users keep their heads in more flexed positions when using tablets than positions used by
typical computer users. Working for long periods with the head slumped forward and the neck
flexed can cause pain. It is recommended that users change posture every 15 minutes and
use a case that doubles as a tablet stand.
The HSE states that people who habitually use portable DSE equipment should be trained in
how to minimise risks, for example by sitting comfortably, angling the screen so it is easy to
read and taking frequent breaks. Wherever possible, portable DSE devices should be placed
on a firm surface at a comfortable height. Where portables are in prolonged use at the user’s
main place of work, additional steps can be taken to reduce risks, e g by using a docking
station.
Other Activities
It is worth bearing in mind the advice set out above in relation to marking and preparation work
carried out at home, even if it does not involve the use of a computer. Sitting comfortably, and
taking regular breaks, will help avoid back problems, whatever the activity being undertaken.
Further Information
The following documents are available from the NUT website at www.teachers.org.uk:
Computer Safety - Working with Computers - http://www.nut.org.uk/node/12575
Classroom Ergonomics - http://www.nut.org.uk/node/12500
Lifting and Handling - http://www.nut.org.uk/node/12535
Tackling Teacher Stress - http://www.nut.org.uk/node/12562
Teachers’ Working Time and Duties - http://www.nut.org.uk/workload
Women’s Health and Safety - http://www.nut.org.uk/node/12572
Amended Aug 11
NUT Health & Safety Briefing: Health and Safety when Using Computers at Home