The Stress Factor

€563m lost through absenteeism, says SFA

The Small Firms Association claims that small businesses in Ireland lose over €563m a year through absenteeism.

Back-pain/injury and stress are the most commonly cited problems on medical certs, according to SFA director Avine McNally.

'Employers should ensure that they are fulfilling their duty of care to their employees by including manual handling and stress when conducting risk assessments as part of their review of their health and safety statements,' she advises.

McNally added, “it is a concern that stress remains one of the high reasons for absenteeism, as aside from the employees’ absence, stress can lead to a less productive workforce, faulty decision-making, and ultimately the possibility of legal action being taken against the company for negligence or constructive dismissal.”

“With a contracting labour market some employees are being placed under additional pressure due to new and different responsibilities. Employers should be aware of the impact of their actions and consider the implementation of a specific policy on workplace stress. They should educate employees on stress management, while being receptive to the potential causes of stress and the early warning signs of stress. On a practical level, they should also ensure that their Employers Liability Insurance will protect them against any compensation awards that may arise from this area”, commented McNally.

Workstation Safety Tips 2010

VDU Workstation Safety Tips

Most employees use Visual Display Units (VDUs) as part of their normal work routine. You should be aware that prolonged use of VDUs may have implications on your health. The most effective way to reduce these risks is to perform a VDU risk assessment as stated in the Safety Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007.

Both employers and employees have a responsibility with regards to VDU safety. It is often as a result of how the equipment is used rather than the equipment itself. An employee working at a comfortable and adjustable workstation is more productive and efficient.

The following are tips that you as an employee can follow to reduce the risk of injury and discomfort that may arise from your VDU work.

How you can help yourself

Getting comfortable

• Adjust your chair and VDU to find a comfortable working position. As a rough guide your forearms should be approximately horizontal and your eyes level with the top of your display screen.
• Make sure you have sufficient space at your desk for documents and equipment.
• Position your display screen in such a manner to avoid glare and reflections.
• Make sure there is sufficient space under your desk to move your legs freely.
• Avoid excess pressure from the edge of your seat on the backs of your knees and legs.

Display Screen

• Adjust the brightness and contrast of the screen to suit lighting conditions in the room.
• Make sure your screen is clean.
• Individual characters on the screen should be sharply focused and should not flicker.

Keyboard / Mouse

• Adjust your keyboard so that you have a comfortable working position.
• Try and keep wrists straight when typing. Type softly and don’t overstretch your fingers.
• Keep the mouse within easy reach so that it can be used with a straight wrist.
• Support your forearm on the desk and don’t grip the mouse too tightly.

Posture and Breaks

• Do not sit in the same position for long periods
• Avoid stretching for things you need. Keep them close to you.
• Remember to take adequate breaks away form your VDU.

Incorrect use of VDUs can lead to the following health risks:

Eyesight problems, including headaches, caused by screen glare, straining to look at the VDU screen for long periods, and monitors incorrectly positioned i.e. too far away or too close for comfortable viewing.

Increased levels of stress are often reported by VDU users and this can be attributed to workload and increased pace of work.

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a commonly-used term that refers to aches, pains and disorders suffered as a result of prolonged use of badly adjusted VDU equipment.