Impact of Computer Usage on Safety and Health of Administrators at the University of Cape Coast

Abstract

The purpose of the study was to examine the impact of computer usage on the health and safety of administrators at the University of Cape Coast (UCC). A descriptive cross-sectional survey design was used, and a questionnaire was administered both online and face-to-face to 281 administrators. Chi-square and logistic regression were used in addition to frequencies, percentages, mean, standard deviation, and other statistical methods to analyse the data that was gathered and processed in SPSS. The results showed that 94.66% of the administrators were aware of the health hazards associated with computer use. However, they did not have adequate knowledge about the standard operating procedures (SOPs) to follow which resulted in major computer-use-associated health challenges such as back pain, neck pain, and vision problems. The administrators‟ symptoms from these health challenges persisted for 1-2 years. Most of the administrators also agreed that the management of UCC provides screen protectors, appropriate workstations, and conducts training on computer usage. Socio-demographic factors like gender, educational level, designation, as well as years of work experience in using computers, have an influence on health and safety challenges of the administrators. It is recommended that management should educate and train administrators on computer-use SOPs and the health hazards associated with computers. They should also engage resource persons in occupational health and safety training