Millions of office workers are suffering the effects of
chronic poor "desk health".
A survey of 1,500 UK office workers by market
research firm Tickbox.net, on behalf of ergonomic monitor
firm ViewSonic, shows a link between poor ergonomics knowledge
and ailments such as headaches, eye fatigue and backache.
The study reveals that 46% of office workers spend six or more
hours in front of their computer screens each day, and 51% of these
are not scheduling appropriate breaks according to ergonomic
guidelines.
Around three-quarters of respondents said they suffered from
headaches (67%), eye fatigue (77%) and backache (71%).
The incidence of physical symptoms increases markedly in line
with lack of ergo-awareness. Work-induced stress and anxiety was
also an issue for 78% of office workers.
Although most respondents said ergonomic issues were important
to them (75%), only a fifth had complained to their manager and
asked for a better desk, chair, phone or screen, despite the high
incidence of health issues.
A third admitted to not knowing where to start in improving
their desktop environment. The lack of knowledge is compounded by
low levels of personal initiative, with only 15% having tried to
investigate best desktop policy with colleagues or friends or
having sought professional help.
Employers have a duty of care to make sure their employees work
in the best possible environment. But almost half of respondents
(47%) said they had been offered no advice on the best desktop
layout or ergonomics best practice in the last 12 months.
More than two-thirds (69%) said they would consider future legal
action if they developed a long-term illness or disability induced
by their office environment.
More on the survey findings >>
Take a break from your mouse: IT workers warned
of RSI risks >>
ViewSonic’s educational resource >>
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