Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term v4 - JHS 1
HEALTH AND SAFETY INTHE USE OF ICT TOOLS
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HEALTH AND SAFETY INTHE USE OF ICT TOOLS
Download the Lessonotes Mobile Ghana app for faster lesson access on Android and iPhone.
Subject: Computing
Class: JHS 1
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Grade code: B7.1.3.1.1
Strand code: 1
Sub-strand code: 3
Content standard code: B7.1.3.1
Indicator code: B7.1.3.1.1
Theme: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTING
Subtheme: HEALTH AND SAFETY INTHE USE OF ICT TOOLS
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In Ghana today, we are using computers, smartphones, and tablets more than ever before for learning, communicating with family, watching videos, and playing games. These tools are fantastic, but using them for a long time or in the wrong way can cause serious problems for our bodies, like pain in our eyes, back, and hands. This lesson is very important because it will teach us how to use these ICT tools safely so that we can enjoy their benefits without harming our health. We will learn to be responsible digital citizens who take care of our bodies while using technology.
This section breaks down the important ideas and health issues related to using ICT tools. A. Introduction to Ergonomics
Before we talk about the problems, let's learn a key word: Ergonomics. Definition: Ergonomics is the science of designing and arranging things people use (like chairs, desks, and keyboards) so that they can be used safely, comfortably, and efficiently. Simple Meaning: It means making sure your computer setup fits YOUR body, not forcing your body to fit the computer. Good ergonomics helps prevent health problems. B. Common Health Hazards and Their Preventive Measures
Here are some of the most common health problems caused by using ICT tools incorrectly. Computer Vision Syndrome (CVS) This is a group of eye and vision-related problems that result from prolonged computer, tablet, e-reader, and mobile phone use. Causes: Staring at a bright screen for a long time without blinking enough. Poor lighting in the room (too dark or too bright). Glare or reflections on the screen from windows or lights. Sitting too close to or too far from the monitor. Uncorrected vision problems. Symptoms: Eyestrain or tired eyes. Headaches. Blurred vision. Dry, itchy, or red eyes. Neck and shoulder pain. Preventive Measures (Health Measures): The 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet (about 6 metres) away. This relaxes your eye muscles. Adjust Screen Settings: Make sure the brightness and contrast are comfortable. The text should be easy to read. Position Your Monitor: The top of the screen should be at or slightly below your eye level. It should be about an arm's length away from you. Reduce Glare: Close curtains or use an anti-glare screen protector. Position the screen to avoid reflections from overhead lights or windows. Blink Often: Blinking keeps your eyes moist and prevents them from getting dry. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) RSI is a general term for pain and damage in the muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by repeating the same movements over and over again. When it affects the wrist, it is often called Carpal Tunnel Syndrome. Causes: Typing on a keyboard or using a mouse for long periods without breaks. Using a poor typing technique with bent wrists. Gripping the mouse too tightly. Poor posture that puts strain on your arms and wrists. Symptoms: Pain, aching, or tenderness in the hands, wrists, fingers, or forearms. Stiffness or cramping. Tingling or numbness. Weakness in the hands. Preventive Measures: Take Frequent Breaks: Stretch your hands, fingers, and wrists every 30 minutes. Use Correct Wrist Position: Keep your wrists straight (in a neutral position) when typing, not bent up or down. Use a Light Touch: Don't bang on the keyboard or grip the mouse too hard. Use Ergonomic Tools: Consider using an ergonomic keyboard or mouse if you use the computer a lot. Musculoskeletal Problems (Bad Posture) This refers to pain and injury to the back, neck, and shoulders from sitting in an awkward or fixed position for a long time. Causes: Slouching or hunching over the computer. Using a chair that doesn't provide good back support. Placing the monitor too high, too low, or to the side, forcing you to twist your neck. Keeping your feet dangling instead of flat on the floor. Symptoms: Pain in the neck, shoulders, or back. Stiffness and reduced movement. Headaches. Preventive Measures (The Correct Posture): Chair: Sit back in your chair, with your lower back supported. If your chair has no support, a small pillow or rolled-up towel can help. Feet: Your feet should be flat on the floor or on a footrest. Your knees should be at a 90-degree angle. Back: Keep your back straight. Shoulders should be relaxed, not hunched. Elbows: Your elbows should be close to your body and bent at a 90-degree angle. Head: Your head should be balanced and in line with your body, not tilted forward. Hearing Impairment This is damage to your hearing, often caused by listening to loud sounds for extended periods. Causes: Listening to music or videos with headphones or earphones at a very high volume. Working in a noisy environment with loud ICT equipment (like server rooms or near large PA systems). Symptoms: Difficulty hearing conversations. A ringing or buzzing sound in the ears (tinnitus). Preventive Measures: Follow the 60/60 Rule: Listen with headphones at no more than 60% of the maximum volume for no more than 60 minutes at a time. Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones: These block out background noise, so you don't have to turn the volume up as high. Take "Listening Breaks": Give your ears a rest from loud sounds.
Guided Practice (With Solutions)