Property & Campus Services Environment, Health & Safety

Common Problems with Computer

Item Hazard/s Solutions

Monitor Height

  • Computer screen is set either too high or too low (or office chair has been set incorrectly).
  • User wears bifocal glasses.
  • Ensure eyes are level with the top of the screen when seated comfortably at workstation.
  • Set monitor so that the top toolbar can be comfortably viewed without tilting head backwards.

Viewing the monitor

  • Screen is too close or too far from the user.
  • Reflections in screen from lights or windows.
  • Glare from light in work environment.
  • Sunlight falls either directly onto the monitor screen or into the eyes of the computer user.
  • The monitor should be positioned at arm’s length from the user when seated at workstation.
  • Move computer to minimise reflections and glare.  Preferably position monitor to the side of window light and/or between overhead lighting.
  • Modify the general lighting by removing or re-positioning light sources eg. remove one fluorescent light tube from a double light fixture.
  • Use blinds to block direct sunlight.  Venetian blinds should be angled upwards to best reduce light from outside.
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