Tips for Putting ‘Health’ back into Health & Safety in the Office

Working in an office can carry major health risks due to stress, back pain, bad diet, nasty germs and lack of exercise. Many of these issues are linked multiplying the problem and creating a bigger risk, similarly some of the suggested solutions work for several issues i.e exercise reduces stress, helps with weight management and contributes to having a healthy back.

1) Workplace Stress

Stress is the number one health hazard in the workplace triggering loss of production and absenteeism costing SMEs close to €600 million annually. It is vital for employers to go beyond occupational health and safety legislation to protect and support the wellbeing of their staff. Here are some ways to reduce office stress.

• Occupational risk assessments including stress
• Stress awareness and management training
• External supports for stressed employees
• A workplace stress policy & wellness programme
• Get out of the office – team building days

2) Back & Limb Pain

Spending long hours sitting at a desk can take its toll on the body. Back pain is very common in the workplace. This hazard can be greatly increased by bad office ergonomics and sitting incorrectly causing issues such as WRULDs work related upper limb disorder.

• Manual Handling Training
• Office Ergonomic Training
• VDU / DSE Assessments
• Standing Desks & Standing Meetings
• Mobile masseur – desk massages (a little piece of heaven in the office)
• Regular breaks
• See Tips for Good Office Ergonomic Set Up here

3) Unhealthy Diets

Many office workers eat out several times per week or buy convenience foods for lunch. There is a growing trend of office ‘cake culture’ and endless supply of office biscuits. This can lead to sluggishness and coupled with prolonged sitting and lack of exercise leads to obesity.

• Education – talks from nutritionists
• Replace office biscuits with bowl of fruit
• Kitchen facilities to prep food
• Do not skip breaks especially lunch
• Provide drinking water

4) Lack of Exercise

To counteract the hours at the desk, exercise is important and increases the flow of blood to both body and brain. Lack of exercise can contribute to weight gain, poor health and workplace stress. Recent reports suggest that office workers should have at least 1 hour of physical activity every day.

• Lunch break walking groups
• Morning, lunch or evening staff exercise classes
• Start a couch to 5k group
• Provide shower facilities for those cycling, jogging to work
• Discounted gym membership for employees

5) Nasty Germs in the Office

Cold and Flu season, the dreaded norovirus or winter vomiting bug, these are problems every workplace deals with on an annual basis. Sick employees bring germs into the office that rapidly spread through cross contamination affecting health of the workforce.

• Good hand washing & staff facilities
• Provide antibacterial hand gel
• Thoroughly clean and sanitise all surfaces
• Avoid sick co-workers
• Work from home options

Putting the Health back into Health & Safety has never been more important. If you have any queries or concerns about any of these workplace hazards, please contact us.

Choice Training & Consultancy can offer a range of training such as manual handling, office ergonomics training and VDU & DSE assessments in line with the Health Safety & Welfare at Work Act 2005 and General Applications 2007. We can also arrange fitness experts, nutritionists, health & well-being coaches and speakers as well as in office massage therapists.

Contact Us for more information, VDU Assessments or VDU Assessor Courses.