Office safety

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Office safety

A starting point for establishing a safe and healthy workplace

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www.thedetaildevils.com.au

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Eye comfort


Eye discomfort from spending lengthy periods in front of a screen include eyestrain, headaches and blurred vision.

Do a quick check of your visual comfort:• Are reflections a problem?

• Do you look down at the keyboard constantly?

• Is the height of the monitor easily adjustable?

• Is the head able to be held vertical without repeated rotation to do the work?



Task lighting for healthy eyes


It is easier to perform detailed and visually demanding tasks with good illumination. However, providing high illumination levels can be expensive, hot and a potential glare source.

A task lamp is an energy efficient solution for providing adequate illumination without over-lighting a work space. Adjustable task lighting is also a good option when there is more than one person working in an area as individuals can select the amount of illumination they prefer or require.



Task lighting for healthy eyes


This is particularly important with an ageing working population as workers may have a variety of ocular health conditions and subsequently have different lighting needs. For example:

• there is evidence that some people with macular degeneration prefer significantly higher illumination levels for reading than people with healthy eyes.

• some forms of cataract cause increased light sensitivity, so an individual may prefer less illumination. Other forms of cataract result in poor vision, so individuals may prefer higher illumination.



Tips to accomplish visually comfortable lighting


Locate lamps so that they do not directly shine into your eyes, e.g. place the task lamp behind you so that light shines over your shoulder onto your work.

Use a task lamp which adequately shields the light source from direct view.

Consider using a task lamp with an adjustable arm as this will allow more versatility in how you illuminate your work without the light shining in your eye or reflecting off shiny surfaces.



Tips to accomplish visually comfortable lighting


Switch on the room lights when using a task lamp. It is more tiring if your eyes need to re-adapt between a highly lit task and a darkened room.

Use matt surfaces at your workstation to reduce reflections from the desktop and computer keyboards.



Stress in the workplace


When deadlines, workloads and little or no physical activity collide, workers begin to feel signs of fatigue and stress.

Stress is a hazardous condition for many individuals. Stress will adversely change biological, mental, and emotional functions. These changes include: heart disease, malaise, impaired faculties, and more.

Stress leads to increases of cortisol and other endogenous hormones which in excess can contribute to heart disease, psychological dysfunction, an increased susceptibility to illness, an increased risk of strokes, etc.



Stress and fatigue in the workplace


One aspect that is often overlooked is fatigue and it’s not just about getting a poor night’s sleep.

The Journal of Applied Physiology performed an experiment to determine the effects of mental fatigue on a person's work performance. The results showed that persons who are fatigued have a reduced ability to perform successfully at work.

To avoid fatigue and to reduce stress, introduce mini breaks which include exercise, and socialising help to encourage the body to react positively and control the responses of fatigue.



Electrical risks – trip or electrocution


Electrical extension cords on floors are often trip hazards. Electrical cords are easily damaged by chairs running over them which then become an electrical hazard. Laptops cords need to be tested and tagged.

Do a quick check of electrical hazards:

Do you use electric radiators/fans? These can be hazardous and are well known as the cause of fires.

Do you have overloaded power boards and an excessive amount of double adaptors – electrocution and fire risk

Are any power cords frayed?



Workstation arrangement


Laptops and workstations with inappropriately set up seating arrangements results in poor posture and resulting pain in the shoulders, neck, arms and general muscle soreness in the short term.

In the long term the risks increase of carpel tunnel syndrome and soft tissue injury through incorrect ergonomics of the work area.

Do a quick check of workstation set up:• Is the seat surface height adjustable?

• Is the seat surface deep and wide enough for comfort?

• Is the backrest easily adjustable in height to provide mid lumbar support (lower back region)?

• Is the backrest angle adjustable relative to the seat surface?



Other potential hazards in the office


Are filing cabinets non-tip?

Are there obstructions or objects lying around?

Is there potential for slips, trips or falls?

Do mats have curling edges?

Do a risk assessment of your home office to make sure you have safe and healthy workplace.



Questions?

Call The Detail Devils 1300 768 019




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