Ensuring Workplace Health and Safety in the Office

Workplace health and safety can sometimes seem overzealous, and considering the health risks of office work might initially feel dramatic. However, hunching over a computer, typing on a keyboard, shifting uncomfortably, and squinting can take a toll on your body.

We are not designed to sit in one place doing repetitive tasks for long periods. The health risks of office work, such as back pain, joint pain, tiredness, eye strain, headaches, and repetitive strain injury (RSI), are serious and can lead to long-term damage if left untreated.

Understanding Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

RSI refers to work-related injuries to the muscles, tendons, nerves, and soft tissue in the upper limbs. It is commonly caused by repeated actions over a long period, affecting the neck, shoulders, forearms, elbows, wrists, or hands.

When your job causes physical pain, it's time to make a change. According to TUC (Trades Union Congress), six people leave their jobs due to a repetitive strain injury (RSI) condition every day in the UK. Instead of waiting for things to escalate, we should focus on prevention.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that around 2.6 million working days are lost each year due to upper limb disorders from RSI, with an average of 14 days lost per case. Improving workplace ergonomics can significantly reduce the occurrence of musculoskeletal disorders.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers have a legal duty to provide safe working conditions and a common law ‘duty of care’ towards their staff. Under the Health and Safety Act, various risk assessments must be completed to measure overall risk factors to employees, including ergonomics and display screen equipment.

Significant Risk Factors for RSI

• Repetitive tasks without suitable rest breaks
• Poor posture or awkward working positions
• Poor working environment setup

RSI Symptoms

• Pain or tenderness
• Stiffness
• Loss of joint mobility
• Pins and needles
• Numbness
• Cramps
• Swelling

Stages of RSI

1. Mild Early Stage RSI: Aches and pain during work, improving with rest. Reversible with early intervention.
2. Moderate Intermediate Stage RSI: Pain and tiredness occur quickly, continuing after work and disturbing sleep. Swelling may start. This stage could last several months.
3. Severe Late Stage RSI: Pain, tiredness, and weakness continue even after rest. Sleep is affected, and light tasks become difficult. This stage is sometimes irreversible.

Top 5 Tips for Office Health and Safety

1. Adapt Your Workspace & Equipment

• Adjust your chair and workstation for comfort and proper posture.
• Use ergonomic equipment and accessories.
• Position your screen at eye level and ensure proper lighting.

2. Take the Right Kind of Breaks

• Take regular breaks away from your desk.
• Stand up, move around, and stretch during breaks.
• Avoid activities that strain your arms or hands during breaks.

3. Monitor Your Screen Use

• Reposition your screen to avoid glare and ensure comfortable viewing distance.
• Take regular breaks from screen work.
• Use accessibility features like text to speech and voice control.

4. Know Your Rights - Speak Up and Ask for Adjustments

• Employers should conduct risk assessments and provide ergonomic equipment.
• Ensure you receive proper training on using equipment.
• Take regular breaks to prevent repetitive strain injuries.

5. Report Health and Safety Concerns

• Follow training provided by your employer.
• Take reasonable care for your own safety.
• Report any health and safety concerns to your manager or Health and Safety Representative.

Ensuring workplace health and safety is everyone's responsibility. If you see something dangerous, report it. If you can think of a safer way to carry out a task, talk to your employer.

If you would like further support or have any concerns regarding workplace health and safety, contact your local Blue Arrow branch.