Health and Safety

Keeping you and your staff pain-free at work

Health and Safety often focuses on the more obvious – machinery that’s likely to cause accidents or working conditions with factors that are hard to minimise. But what if your business is primarily office or store based or your employees are out visiting clients? There are health and safety risks here that are often overlooked.

Optimise your office work space

In the office you’re often sitting for large chunks of time, so the health and safety risk is that you’re NOT moving or taking breaks. Long term this can create discomfort, pain and if left untreated - long-term injury to your neck, arm or hand. Here are some things to consider when optimising your work space:

• Incorrect chairs. Whether they’re at the wrong height, old, broken, or sloping, seat position is an easy fix and makes a huge difference. If you’re buying work chairs, check their seating tolerance. You need one that can withstand 6-8 hours of use. And choose one that is able to be adjusted in multiple ways.
  
• Screen height. Our bodies like to be neutral, not straining to look up, down, or on an angle for eight hours a day. Adjust your screen height so that your eye level is at the top of the toolbar. You can buy screen adjusters or prop your screen up (old telephone books are a favourite).
  
• Mouse overuse. The mouse is more problematic than the keyboard. By having your hand and finger poised to press the button, the muscles in your forearm are always activated. To avoid tendinitis, move the mouse closer to you and only use it when you need it.
  
• Posture. Make sure you work with a neutral posture. This means head and shoulders are lined up, and hips, knees and elbows are at 90-degrees.
  
• Lack of movement. Make sure you and your team are moving regularly, even if it’s just getting up for a cup of tea, chatting with workmates, or going outside for fresh air. Regular movements prevent injury and pain.
  
• Laptop users. Ideally, you have a laptop stand, separate keyboard, and foot stand to create an optimal sitting position.

If you’re out-and-about/driving, some things to consider are:

• Seat position. Getting this right is really important. Check lumbar support is adequate because if you’re sitting with arms and legs extended, it puts pressure on your nervous system and can cause back problems and sciatica.
  
• Steering wheel height. Some people get a sore neck after driving because they’ve had their hands on the steering wheel and their neck and arms are rigid.
  
• Stay neutral to avoid sore lower back and shoulders.
  
• Fatigue. If you’re slow to respond, have difficulty making decisions quickly, drifting off, or don’t notice you’re speeding (or getting somewhere and not remembering driving there), you need a break. Remember, it’s not the same as being tired, it’s when your brain isn’t processing things as it should be, and without awareness, you could make mistakes on the road.

Hospitality/warehouse/retail

If you’re on your feet a lot at work and walking around, you won’t have too much of an issue. However, it’s the static standing that can cause sore feet, knees, hip and back. Long-term effects can be debilitating, including inflammation to the arch of your foot (Plantar Fasciitis), which can cause so much pain it becomes impossible to stand, and it’s tricky to fix. The chance of discomfort, pain and injury is underestimated in workplaces where people are on their feet a lot, like in a warehouse.

If you stand a lot at work, some tips are:

• Footwear. Make sure everyone has appropriate, well-fitted footwear. Consider orthotics, heel cups, or gel inserts to take off some of the pressure.
  
• Movement. Make sure staff are moving and walking, not just standing.
  
• Rubber mats. Anti-pressure mats create a softer surface to stand on, which can make a huge difference. Or offer a seat so they can sit down and take a load off.

Health and Safety isn’t just about avoiding accidents, but about creating a work environment where your employees are prevented from long-term injuries is just as important. It also makes your employees feel valued and that you care about their wellbeing. Even implementing some of this suggestions in stages can have a positive effect in your workplace.