Computer workstations

The main harm comes after long periods of use. It includes upper limb disorders (ULDs) such as repetitive strain injury, back injury from sitting in awkward postures, and eye strain. Make sure that your team members:

• sit with the right posture, for example with the wrists not bent at a sharp angle
• take frequent short breaks during long periods of keyboard use
• know the early signs of ULDs, such as tingling in the fingers, and report them
• use an adjustable chair and know how to set it up
• position the screen with no glare or reflection, at eye height and neither too close nor too far
• wear glasses or lenses if they need them for the screen
• have their eyes tested regularly. In some countries, including the UK and Ireland, the employer must pay for the test when staff use screens for most of their work

Confined spaces

A confined space is any enclosed space where there is a risk of serious injury or death from hazardous substances or dangerous conditions. Examples are storage tanks, process vessels, storage bins, silos, flues and ducts, sewers and drains, excavations and tunnels. A confined space may also arise when toxic gas leaks into an enclosed area or a room is poorly ventilated.

The hazards include flammable substances, toxic fumes, too much or too little oxygen, liquids flowing in, excessive heat, flooding and drowning, and asphyxiation from dust, grain or other material. People are killed or seriously injured in confined spaces every year, in many industries and in simple storage vessels as well as complex plant. To reduce the risk:

• decide whether the work can be done without entering
• if entry cannot be avoided, set up a safe system of work
• have adequate emergency arrangements in place before the work starts

Workers must be informed, instructed and trained in the safe system, the equipment and the rescue arrangements.

Drugs and alcohol

Drugs and alcohol can cause serious health problems, and a person under their influence is a danger to themselves and others. An employer who knowingly lets workers work under the influence, where this affects safety, could be prosecuted under safety law. Affected workers are likely to have more sickness absence and poorer performance.

It is not only illegal drugs that cause trouble. Legal drugs, including prescription drugs, can be misused or have side effects. Some people need medicines to live a normal life and could not work without them. Many drugs can also affect mood and performance, especially after long use or when dependence develops.

Possible causes of misuse include heavy workloads, staff shortages, fear of redundancy, change, shift work, bullying and harassment, a workplace culture that encourages drinking, and long hours or working away from home. Warning signs include absence, poor time keeping, a high accident rate, confusion, poor performance, mood swings, irritability or aggression, and misconduct. Misuse affects work in four main ways: more mistakes, errors of judgement and accidents; poorer attendance and performance; social, psychological and medical problems including dependence; and an effect on the work of carers who deal with the problem.

A study aid, not published or endorsed by IOSH or OSHA. Laws and limits differ between countries.