Legislation
Legislation, and changes to legislation are a fact of life for all organisations and provide one of those ‘must-do’ situations where legislative requirements must be complied with. For example, many countries have introduced data protection laws that may trigger changes to software needed to conform to legislative requirements.
Another example might be in the accounting field – The UK Finance Acts in 2004, 2005 and 2006 included measures to ensure that companies choosing to adopt International Accounting Standards (IAS) or certain UK standards that are equivalent to IAS to draw up their accounts, receive broadly equivalent tax treatment to companies that continue to use ‘mainstream’ UK GAAP (Generally Accepted Accounting Practice).
The state (parliament) attempts to maintain standards and behaviour by enacting legislation to regulate the behaviour of companies and employees. Although specific pieces of legislation, such as The Computer Misuse Act 1990, are aimed directly at those working in the field of computer-based information systems, companies and employees must also observe more general laws, for example, The Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974 (HSaW).
http://www.hse.gov.uk/legislation/hswa.htm
HSaW means that all employees are responsible for safety in the workplace. Staff are required to take immediate action in response to any hazard or danger to health. Furthermore, employers are expected to ensure that the workplace is safe through actions, such as providing safety equipment.
With respect to the use of ICT, problems that users experience, generally after prolonged computer use include, eyestrain, repetitive strain injuries, such as injuries to neck, including back-pain and wrists. The employer has a responsibility to provide appropriate resources (both ICT and ergonomic) which are fit for purpose for each and every user. There is relevant information where you could start your research on this topic at Teach-ICT.com....