Keep your employees safe and happy with a workstation assessment

Keep your employees safe and happy with a workstation assessment

Health and safety in the office is not just essential but is also a legal obligation; employers must provide decent working conditions for their employees.

The benefits of doing so are manifold; from avoiding nasty compensation claims for injuries endured at work and minimising the number of days lost through sickness absence, to fulfilling employment law requirements and keeping employees happy.

Given that we spend such a huge proportion of our time at our desks, a quick and easy way for employers to display their caring side and ensure employees are safe at work is to carry out a work station assessment.

Guidelines that employers must comply with are the Health and Safety Display Screen Equipment Regulations of 1992, which aim to reduce any risks arising from prolonged periods of computer use. This could involve the careful placement of a PC and monitor on a desk to avoid painful twisting, and the provision of adequate lighting to avoid eye strain.

The guidelines dictate that the computer screen must be checked too; the display must be in focus and situated in a position that does not reflect any glare from lights or the windows. It is recommend that employees take regular, quick breaks to look away from the screen every now and then and focus on something else.

The office chair should be padded, stable and provide full body support. It needs to be adjusted to the correct height to avoid knees bashing on the desk, shoulder pain or neck strain. For those who suffer with their backs, cushions, foot rests and ergonomic chairs can be purchased from office furniture suppliers. Training should also be given regarding posture, i.e. don't sit cramped forward and keep your shoulders back.

Other ways to prevent accidents and injuries is by providing padded wrist rests and mouse mats, holding desk yoga classes or hiring a masseur to give shoulder rubs once a month.

Ultimately, the bottom line is that by following office health and safety guidelines, employers will not only keep their employees happy, but they can have a positive impact on the productivity levels of the business as a whole. That's worth investing in, isn't it?

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