subject: A Comfortable Working Environment [print this page] Providing a comfortable work environment for workers is part of providing a healthy and safe workplace. This is not always practical but all reasonable efforts should be made to make the workplace as comfortable as possible.
Either sitting or standing for extended periods can be uncomfortable. Seating must be provided if it is reasonable for workers to carry out their work while seated. Construction of the seating should be comfortable and sturdy and take into account the type of work being carried out. If it is necessary to perform the work standing seating can normally be provided for breaks.
Employers have a responsibility to provide workers with a smoke free environment. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the laws which govern smoking in places of work. It has long been established that smoking and being exposed to second hand smoke are both health hazards. It is wise to develop a smoke free policy. This policy is then available for reference when recruiting and drafting employment agreements and other workplace policies. Smoke free signs and the smoke free policy can be put up around the workplace. All contractors should be notified of the smoke free policy. Smoke free policy education and training should be rolled out to all employees, managers and supervisors who should also be aware of what to do in case of violations. An employee can lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Health if these measures are not taken.
There are no maximum or minimum temperature set in law at which work must stop. How cold or hot we feel is influenced by many factors. How hot we feel can be influenced by external factors such as air temperature, humidity and wind. This can be exacerbated by having to wear protective clothing, strenuous work, level of acclimatisation and insufficient breaks. It can be uncomfortable to feel hot and this can lower productivity and morale and as such the above factors should be controlled as much as possible. Excessive heat exposure can cause heat exhaustion and in extreme cases even fatal heat stroke. All practicable steps need to be taken by both employers and employees to ensure that the level of heat exposure does not reach dangerous levels.
Low temperatures can also result in an employee feeling stressed. Environments in which this occurs include working outside during winter, at high altitude, in the wet or in walk in coolers and freezers. Wind chill factor needs to be taken into account even at moderate temperatures. It is important that employers ensure that employees wear appropriate protective clothing and that appropriate measures are taken. Minor exposure may cause only discomfort but extreme cold stress can result in more serious injuries or even death. When a worker is feeling the effects of cold stress they experience stiff joints, reduced muscle strength, loss of dexterity and is less mentally alert. As a result he will be more prone to accidents. Direct health effects of exposure to cold temperatures are those that affect the extremities such as frostnip and the more severe frostbite and those that affect the bodys core such as hypothermia. As women are less able to increase their body temperature by shivering or activity they are more likely than men to suffer ill effects form exposure to cold. Other factors which affect the level of cold injury are increased age, fatigue, some drugs, alcohol and smoking.
Making sure that the working environment is comfortable is an important aspect of ensuring the health and safety of employees.
