HUMAN FACTORS & ERGONOMICS OUT OF SIGHT, OUT OF MIND
Guy Osmond, Managing Director and Founder of Osmond Ergonomics, explores the responsibilities of employers in safeguarding homeworkers from the risk of musculoskeletal conditions.
The rapid move to homeworking as a result of the Covid pandemic resulted in a wide array of responses. Whilst some employers moved quickly to equip their personnel and address the ergonomics issues, others were like ‘rabbits in the headlights’, not knowing which way to turn. This spectrum of approaches resulted in many homeworkers being supplied with at least some of the essential requirements (chair, desk, additional monitor, laptop stand, keyboard and mouse), whilst others were given nothing. It is beyond doubt that, even today, millions of computer users are still working on their kitchen or dining table with just a laptop and no accessories.
A 2020 report by the Institute of Employment Studies (IES) found that more than 55% of homeworkers experienced new or worsening musculoskeletal (MSK) problems since the onset of the pandemic, with neck and shoulder pain the most prevalent. It soon became clear that pains across the neck and shoulders were nearly always a direct result of ill-equipped homeworking. The height relationship between an office chair and desk is quite different from that between a dining chair and table, frequently resulting in hunched shoulders with the latter.
These MSKs were evident when the pandemic, and resultant homeworking, were just starting. It is clear that the situation has not improved.
Over the last few years, the debate about home, office and hybrid working has raged on and most employers have now found a level of organisational stability, even if they have still not settled on a permanent (or, at least, medium-term) plan. Whilst some dynamic employers continue to carry out homeworker DSE assessments, a high proportion have stepped back from their responsibilities and, at best, opted for a light-touch online survey process. A further complication is that some employers are now telling their homeworking employees to come to the office if they cannot work comfortably at home. This actively discourages such personnel from declaring any MSK problems and electing to ‘live with it’ if they want to avoid or minimise office attendance. It is in the nature of MSKs that failing to mitigate the risks will, inevitably, lead to greater pain, discomfort and lost productivity in the future.
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https://www.employment-studies.co.uk/resource/ies-working-home-wellbeing-survey
It is also becoming apparent that, where the employer is neglecting their duty, many employees are simply taking direct action, usually without guidance or adequate training. For example, many homeworkers now boast proudly of the sit-stand desk they have purchased personally, direct from an online retailer.
“MORE THAN 55% OF HOMEWORKERS EXPERIENCED NEW OR WORSENING MSK PROBLEMS.”
Typically, this comes flat-packed with only assembly instructions. No user guidance is provided so the buyer often fails to understand the correct mix of sit/stand/ move and the potentially damaging impact of just replacing a poor sitting posture with a poor standing posture. This lack of understanding is not the fault of the user but is simply lack of awareness and the absence of professional advice which could so easily be distributed by the employer.
https://ergonomics.co.uk/?srsltid=AfmBOoowh_1SCo3j8DMxPxoAVW4kcH1mjOB_lXvyX14G8YYNmMTRMSxJ https://ergonomics.co.uk www.tomorrowshs.com
Whether the reason is benign neglect, to pressure personnel back into the office, cost saving or a failure to appreciate the magnitude of the issue, neglecting homeworkers is short-sighted and, ultimately, expensive. MSKs result in presenteeism, lost productivity and reduced staff engagement. And if it’s out of sight, it’s even harder to appreciate.
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