Happy computing is healthy computing online of course!

15/11/2006

An innovative on-line guide to workstation health will not only improve employee productivity, but will also ensure that your business keeps on the right side of Health & Safety regulations, as well as the Disability Discrimination Act.

“Office Sense with Windows XP” from national computing and disability charity, AbilityNet and one of the UK’s leading eLearning providers, Happy Computers, is a user-friendly, interactive on-line course designed to enable anyone to set up their workstation correctly, adjust their computer settings to suit their individual requirements and maximise their personal comfort. These straightforward modifications are easy to implement and can significantly reduce the risk of staff taking time out for stress, back, wrist or eye strain or ‘RSI’, which currently costs the economy over 4 million working days a year.

We have developed an online demonstration version of the course, which will enable you to try out selected lessons so that you can review the content for the course before you buy. Once you have tried the course you can visit our online shop to select the package that is right for you.

A survey* of 15,000 US adults of working age showed that some 60% have physical or visual difficulties which impede their computer use and increase their susceptibility to further discomfort. Simple adjustments can make a critical difference and what is good for employee health and morale is undoubtedly good for the bottom line – a compelling reason for businesses to take action now.

“Office Sense with Windows XP” covers all the most common mistakes, with interactive tutorials and a quiz at the end of each lesson to help confirm what you have learnt. Each learner can have their own personal lesson plan to help keep track of progress.

It advises on inexpensive hardware and software solutions - many of which are available for free as standard accessibility options in Windows – to prevent and manage temporary loss of function and longer term disability.

It is jargon-free and devised to be as appropriate to managers as it is to their staff in organisations across the board, from SMEs to multi-nationals. Whilst smaller companies may use it as part of their induction process for new recruits, larger enterprises are finding it indispensable as a resource to complement their Occupational Health services.

Says AbilityNet’s Operations Director, David Banes: “Many problems which hinder PC use can be avoided with the appropriate technology. Simple adjustments can be of tremendous help to staff with dyslexia or poor sight, in addition to temporary conditions such as whiplash, a neck injury or a broken arm. None of these conditions should prevent an employee from enjoying full and effective computer access.

“Far from being a minority issue we have found that amongst groups of employees who use computers on a daily basis, over 75% will admit to experiencing some degree of discomfort that they associate with computer use.”

For employers, the good news is that PCs can be modified for use by virtually anyone whatever their difficulty and in many cases without any significant financial outlay. What could be more ‘reasonable’ than that?”

Awareness that computer technology can be adapted to individual need demands a change of culture that can benefit everyone. After all, today’s twinge or eyestrain could be tomorrow’s chronic condition. Neglecting a minor irritation can convert it into a significant problem down the line. Preventative action taken now by an employer could help eliminate significant staff issues in the future.

‘Office Sense for Windows XP’ costs £40 for a single licence and can work out at as little as £3 per staff member if purchasing for a company-wide roll out.

Go to top.