Following a survey of over 3000 European office workers, office equipment supplier, Fellowes, has outlined the how workplaces can affect our health and our bodies.
Health and Safety expert, Michelle Hay, introduces Fellowes’ life-sized representation of how poor posture and an inadequate workstation set-up could affect our health.
Does our workplace affect our health?
Walking through most office settings, I usually see several people with the wrong DSE workstation design setup for them. The ill-effects can take years to develop and a new life-sized model called ‘Emma’ brings to life the potential impact of modern workstations on our bodies.
A team of experts in occupational health, ergonomics, and well-being was commissioned by office equipment firm Fellowes. They surveyed over 3000 workers in the UK, France and Germany, and confirmed the effects that office workplaces have on employee health.
Model specialists, Helix 3D Ltd created their life-sized model to demonstrate the potential effects on our bodies. ‘Emma’ has developed many health problems as a result of her workplace.
How have office environments changed?
Increasing numbers of people work with computers, laptops and related equipment. In the old days of a personal desk, a worker would set up their chair, footrest and monitor based on their personal preferences.
We now see open plan spaces, shared desks, hot-desking and home working. These changes mean that office workers can no longer assume that the chair and monitor has not been adjusted by the previous occupant. Rarely has the individual been trained so will not know to adjust the workstation back to their settings.
However, for taller or shorter people, the average chair and desk setup won’t be suitable. Special requirements may also apply for an employee with a disability or pre-existing health condition.
The use of laptops provides other problems as workers often use them in a mobile environment. Ideally, laptops should be used with an adjustable shelf, but very often they are used on normal seating in a café, client office or train.
What legislation governs office set up?
Since 1990 employers have had legal requirement, under the DSE (display screen equipment) regulations, to carry out a DSE workstation risk assessment for:
- New employees
- New workstations
- Changes to existing workstation or the way it is used
- User complaints of pain or discomfort
While the legislation applies to employers for office, mobile and home workers, it is also in the interest of self-employed workers to both understand and use their office equipment safely.
What are the health problems caused by poor working conditions?
Typical warning signs of incorrect practices in the workplace that affect our health include:
- neck pain
- shoulder pain
- back pain
- swollen or painful wrists
- eye strain
- migraine
- sick days
The long-term effects displayed by ‘Emma’ can take years to develop but looking ahead into the future is something we should all investigate for our own health and to prevent future legal claims.