Health and Safety is fundamental to ICT and its use in the workplace.  This section is not complex, but acts as a reminder to make sure that your ICT policies and your human resources policies cross refer to Health and Safety.  There are two aspects to consider - the equipment, its electrical and physical integrity and the operator, and the impact using ICT might have on them.  Put this in your policies, and make sure that staff and volunteers are equally aware of their own responsibilities.

A big part of health and safety today is risk assessment.  All this means is examining all aspects of the working environment and defining what might happen if... and then identifying how that might be avoided.  The positioning of equipment and cables is critical, as is the use of appropriate furniture.  For individuals, correct posture and regular breaks (especially if routine work is being carried out) are essential.  Make sure your policies place responsibility on the user to take charge of their environment and how they manage their and its safety.

Virtual Riders does not claim to have Health and Safety expertise.  However, it does have health and safety experience and if required can be contacted for information.  However, the links below should suffice.  For a small fee H&S ICT issues can be written into exisiting policies.  PAT testing is also an issue for voluntary organisations.  This is not as complex as it sounds and equipment can be hired/borrowed through Hull's Common Treasury or undertaken by Virtual Riders for a nominal cost.  This can be used for all electrical equipment.