As part of our workplace assessments Access 2 Comfort provide advice about ergonomic solutions to improve and promote wellbeing and comfort in the workplace.

There is a myriad of ergonomic solutions available in the marketplace, this is great for consumer choice but can make the process of choosing the correct solution for your particular need(s) confusing. So, this month we are focusing on mice; the different options and their features.

Laptop use
If you work directly from your laptop, you are likely to be using the integral trackpad. Direct laptop use should be restricted to short periods of time due to the stress placed on the body, from working in this position. Using a laptop directly on the desktop will cause neck flexion and hunched shoulders, as you look down to view screen content.

Laptop stand
Placing your laptop on a stand will enable you to view screen content with a neutral posture. However, once raised the integral keyboard and trackpad cannot be used due to the position of the laptop.

Standard Mouse
Many people will use a standard mouse and have no issues. If this is the case there is no reason to change to a different device. However, we see a lot of people who undertake mouse intensive work and report arm, shoulder, wrist and hand pain and discomfort from use of a standard mouse. There are a number of possible reasons for this. Firstly, when using a standard mouse, the arm is held in a pronated position, this is not a natural position to be held for long periods and causes strain in the forearm. Secondly, the hand is used to grip the mouse, with the wrist in extension due to the height of the mouse and held in ulnar deviation, with the wrist and hand twisted toward the little finger. Thirdly the mouse is very often positioned outside of the user’s functional reach causing the arm and shoulder to be placed under stress on use of the mouse. In some cases, this can be prevented by using a shorter keyboard.

Vertical Mouse
A vertical mouse like a standard mouse is still used to the side of the body, however, the hand is held in a hand-shake style position, preventing pronation and ulnar deviation. Consequently, there is less pressure placed through the arm, wrist and hand. These mice come in different sizes so it is worth measuring your hand size before making a purchase, and make sure to choose the correct orientation for you; left or right-handed.

Adjustable Angle Mouse
This type of mouse enables the angle to be set to the individual, consequently, the mouse is more bespoke to the individual user and requires less gripping of the hand to use the mouse. The angle can also be changed intermittently so the wrist is not always held in the same position.

Roll Bar Mouse
A roller bar mouse sits in front of the keyboard. This reduces the stretch on the arms and shoulders. In addition, either hand can be used to control the mouse, so repetitive movements can be reduced, by sharing the workload between the upper limbs.

Combined keyboard and mouse
This replicates the setup of a laptop with the trackpad centralised, below the keypad. Again, this enables the use of the input device, without any gripping of the hand or twisting at the forearm and wrist and without the shoulder being held in an outstretched position.

Assessment
If you think you would benefit from an alternative style of mouse, we would recommend you consider what it is about your current mouse use, that is causing you discomfort. This way you can try to determine the best option for your particular needs. Alternatively, if you are not sure what is causing your pain and discomfort you may benefit from an assessment, where through discussion and observation one of our qualified assessors will be able to advise you not only on input device use, but on your whole workstation setup.

In the event that post-assessment you purchase a recommended mouse, you will have a two-week trial period in which to adapt to the features of the device, if after this time you find the equipment unsuitable, this can be returned, subject to terms and conditions.

Next week is Mental Health Awareness week, so in light of that, we are asking how you are?

At Access 2 Comfort our area of expertise is the physical effects of work on the body and what we can do to provide a healthy and safe working space. However, we acknowledge the importance of also supporting colleagues with their mental health. Physical and mental health can very rarely be viewed in isolation from each other. If someone is experiencing physical pain and discomfort, this is likely to affect their mental health too. Similarly mental health issues can lead to people not looking after their physical health.

Creating a culture of talking in the workspace
As the saying goes ‘it’s good to talk’. Have you taken the time recently to ask your colleagues how they are? If you are a business owner or HR have you tried to create an environment in which colleagues feel safe to talk and without fear of discrimination. The Mental Health Foundation suggest an essential building block for workplace mental health is the ability to have open, authentic conversations about mental health in the workplace.

Putting Mental Health on the agenda
Checking in with staff on a regular basis and putting policies in place that promote mental health for all staff, is something companies can do, regardless of their size. Encouraging staff to take regular breaks, structuring workloads, running incentives, which encourage activity and healthy eating, giving staff time to talk and listen to each other will all help create a healthy workspace.

Reasonable Adjustments
Access 2 Comfort offer workplace assessments to enable companies to meet their obligation to provide reasonable adjustments to staff experiencing physical disabilities. If someone has a long-term mental health condition, they too could be defined as disabled under the Equality Act (2010) and entitled to reasonable adjustments in the workplace. Letting employees know that this help is available to them could be invaluable and giving staff the tools to help themselves, empowers them to feel they can manage their condition whilst continuing to work effectively.

At Access 2 Comfort our focus is on supporting employees through workplace adjustments. We provide assessments, observing people in their working environments and recommending equipment to enable them to fulfil their roles, whilst remaining safe and pain-free.

Our primary service is to employees whom are experiencing postural issues, or have existing medical conditions for which they need support at work.

The services we offer at Access 2 Comfort are just one aspect of what is becoming a more holistic approach to how companies provide wellness at work.

This is because wellness takes many different forms and recent research has shown the benefits to employers of investing in their employees’ health and wellbeing. It makes sense that if employees feel valued and are physically and mentally well, they will have a better attitude to their work and productivity will increase. The Global Wellness Institute (GTI) estimates that workforce unwellness (chronic disease, work-related injuries and illnesses, work-related stress, and employee disengagement) may cost the global economy 10-15% of economic output every year.

This has led to a huge growth in the ‘wellness at work’ industry, with lots of companies offering their services. In fact, the Global Wellness Institute projects 9.9% average annual growth, with the wellness economy reaching nearly $7.0 trillion by 2025.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development believe investing in employee wellbeing can lead to increased resilience, better employee engagement, reduced sickness absence and higher performance and productivity. Their latest survey found employee wellbeing continues to rise up the corporate agenda but there is still work to be done within companies to be more proactive, rather than reactive to employee needs. Wellness in work needs to become part of the culture of an organisation rather than an ‘add-on’ at the request of individual staff. Something HR leaders seem to be aware of with investment in employee wellbeing rated as more important than anything else. (Deloitte 2020).

The last two years have seen a shift in our working habits, with many more people home working, for most people this has had a positive impact on their wellbeing. No one is mourning the commute that adds hours to your day; being home for dinner and being able to do the school run now and again has enhanced family life and a sense of wellbeing for many. However, the downside to working from home can be the lack of interaction with others, feeling disconnected from work colleagues and the difficulty switching off from work, with home feeling like a permanent office space. This can be addressed by employers, through weekly Zoom get-togethers, sticking to contact within working hours and not expecting staff to be online outside of working hours.

Last month the NEC Birmingham hosted the annual Health and Wellbeing@Work show, which we were lucky enough to attend and this highlighted the wealth of resources available to companies in order to improve wellness at work for their employees. This ranged from Drinkaware at Work, which offers alcohol training courses to help employees gain a better understanding of the impact of alcohol and empower them to make better choices, to apps such as Zecure, which promotes a sense of wellness through safety when you are out and about and Microbreaks whose app can target the areas of health and wellbeing that are most important to the individual employee. The wellbeing challenge.uk offers an eight-week lifestyle transformation journey that all employees can complete together, which will help to build long-lasting habits and boost physical and mental health. Medigold Health offer their Perform service designed specifically to boost the well-being of employees and protect them from the impact of mental health issues. There were even companies offering wellbeing retreats.

The purpose of all these products and services, including ours at Access 2 Comfort is to reduce absenteeism, presenteeism and staff turnover and increase productivity within a happy, safe environment where staff feel like a highly regarded member of a good team.

If you think we can help your team please get in touch.

Fatigue is not a new phenomenon but lately it has come to prominence as one of the predominant symptoms of Long Covid. As a result, many more people are now suffering from the effects of fatigue and awareness is growing of the impact fatigue can have on people’s lives.

The ONS estimate 1.3million people are suffering with Long Covid (defined as experiencing symptoms four weeks or more after contracting Covid). Of those reporting Long Covid 64% said it was affecting their day-to-day activities. Prevalence of ongoing symptoms following coronavirus (COVID-19) infection in the UK – Office for National Statistics (ons.gov.uk)

Tiredness or Fatigue?

A common misconception is that fatigue is just another word for tiredness, but ask anyone who suffers with fatigue and they will tell you they are very different. Usually, tiredness can be resolved through sleep and practising good sleep hygiene. Contrary to this fatigue can be present even after sleep, and for no particular reason; daily activities which would normally cause you no problems, can suddenly leave you feeling exhausted. Fatigue can be all-consuming and can suggest another underlying health condition. While fatigue and tiredness are different, they can have the same effects on people, both physically and mentally and are not be dismissed.

According to the Royal College of Occupational Therapists ‘fatigue is a normal part of the body’s response to fight a viral infection, such as Covid 19’ (https://www.rcot.co.uk/how-manage-post-viral-fatigue-after-covid-19-0). Fatigue can also be a symptom of other medical conditions such as anaemia, MS, ME, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, fibromyalgia, depression and arthritis, to name a few.

Fatigue is a hazard

If you are suffering from fatigue, you will know the real consequences this has on leading a full and ‘normal’ life and when it comes to fulfilling your responsibilities within the workplace this can be a real challenge.

However, it is not a challenge you should be facing alone, and employers have a responsibility to manage fatigue within the workplace, for all staff.
In fact, in some organisations, fatigue is recognised as a hazard and is risk assessed as such, for all staff, not just those who may have a diagnosed condition, as it is recognised that in some industries the type of work undertaken and the working hours/shift patterns adopted can cause fatigue in workers. Worker fatigue is not to be underestimated; it can result in

• A lack of attention and focus
• Slower reactions
• Reduced co-ordination
• Decreased awareness
• Underestimate risk
• Memory lapses
• Reduced ability to process information

When you consider the above list, you begin to understand why fatigue needs to be carefully managed, especially in industries where employees are operating machinery, driving vehicles, looking after people and working long shifts. If companies do not manage workplace fatigue it has the potential to cause accidents at work. Some workplaces are already at higher risk of accidents (given the nature of the work), if you add in a colleague suffering from fatigue this risk increases.

Fatigue has been cited as the reason for 20% of accidents on our major roads and for the cause of major accidents such as the Clapham Junction rail disaster, the Texas City oil explosion and the loss of the Challenger space shuttle. The HSE believe fatigue costs the UK between £115 to £240 million a year in workplace accidents alone. Human factors/ergonomics – Fatigue (hse.gov.uk)

So, how do we manage fatigue in the workplace?

Shift Patterns

The HSE advise employers, where appropriate to consider shift patterns. They report over 3.5 million people in the UK are employed as shift workers. It is therefore important that the length of shifts, the number of shifts worked before time off, and the number of days off between shifts for recovery are all considered when developing a shift pattern and rota system. These will be important tools in managing fatigue in shift workers. For more information the HSE has some good practice guidelines on shift work schedules – Good practice guidelines (hse.gov.uk)

Workloads

Employers need to consider the type of work undertaken (how physical is the work, how repetitive is it, how much focus and concentration does it take), when setting expectations on employee’s workloads. If the work is monotonous, can tasks be varied to avoid this causing fatigue and lapses in concentration.

Phased return to work

If you have taken considerable time off work due to illness, consider requesting a phased return to work. Understandably after having time off work, going back to full-time hours immediately will impact you both physically and mentally. Building up time spent at work is a sensible way to manage this.

Individual responsibility

Recognise the fatigue, do not just try to carry on, this could put both yourself and others in danger. Try to plan each day in advance and pace activities, both in and out of work. Prioritise the jobs that are most important and get these done when your fatigue is at its lowest.

Stay healthy, eat well and try to keep active, even small amounts of activity can help boost energy. 

Talking

Not all of us work shifts, or work in high-risk environments where the employer would necessarily see fatigue as a potential hazard of the workplace. It may be you work in an office or an environment where fatigue would not be seen as a risk factor of the job. However, if you are suffering from fatigue due to an underlying illness speak with your Line Manager or HR. If they are not aware of it, they cannot put safeguards in place to help. Discuss with them any changes to your working environment that you think could help you manage your fatigue.

If you get on with your colleagues speak to them too, explain to them the impact the fatigue is having on you. It maybe that some tasks that have the most impact on your fatigue can be delegated to others.

Workplace Assessment

Whatever environment you work in, whether this is a factory, a building site, a classroom, an HGV or an office we can offer a workplace or fit to work assessment for you or an employee. Whilst we cannot offer a cure for fatigue, we can provide recommendations that can reduce the impact of fatigue in the workplace. Whether this is suggesting changes to the processes that are undertaken, looking at changes to working hours/shift patterns and break times, and recommending equipment that may support you in your job role and reduce stress and strain on your body, which is likely to be exacerbating your fatigue.

If you think we could help you or a member of your staff, or would like to find out more please get in touch.

 Whilst we often focus on workplace assessments in an office environment, they are also a beneficial tool for those whose workplace is not the traditional office.

A good example of this is the education sector.

The latest stats from the HSE, report an estimated 37,000 work-related cases of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) within the education sector.

This figure is likely to be an underestimate, as studies show many colleagues do not report symptoms to their employers. One European study reported as many as 82% of early years teachers and teaching assistants experienced MSD’s on a weekly basis, however only 8% had reported their symptoms to their employer.

Whilst this figure seems excessive, when you consider how early years teachers work, it is not altogether surprising. As a former early years teacher myself I have first-hand experience of this environment. The furniture in an early years (and primary school) setting is designed, understandably so, with the children in mind. Small chairs, low tables and floor-based activities are the norm, so staff will often be found either on the floor, sat on a very small chair, or bent down at a low desk. Doing this on a daily basis is likely to cause or exacerbate existing musculoskeletal disorders.

As the children grow so does the furniture, so by the time they are at secondary school the likelihood is children are using standard desks and chairs. Whilst this is good news for the teaching staff, there are other barriers they have to contend with. The classroom is their office but for most it lacks any of the ergonomic equipment you would see in an office environment. In today’s classrooms teachers are navigating interactive whiteboards, alongside other IT equipment and paper-based work from students. They spend long periods sat leaning over their desks marking work, and viewing a laptop, sat on a basic chair, with no laptop stand, external input devices, document holder or any ability to work safely from a standing posture.

Another cause of the high rates of MSD’s in the education workforce is likely to be the high volume of manual handling undertaken. Manual handling perhaps seems an unlikely part of the role of an educator and consequently is often over looked, but carrying young children, moving and setting up heavy equipment, carrying large quantities of text books and students work, can all have an impact on the workforce’s health.

Considering the needs of adults in a sector that is set up to provide the very best for children is challenging and considerations need to be made, that would be irrelevant in other industries. The safety of children is of paramount importance so any solutions considered need to be led with this is mind.

The image below shows the holistic view that needs to be taken when thinking about the health and wellbeing of teaching staff and the many different factors that play a part. Many of these factors are relevant regardless of the industry in which you work; for example, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and looking after your mental health. Those of you that are employers have to consider the workplace culture that you create and make sure your leadership teams are approachable and helpful and that policies are in place to help those staff that need it.

Figure 1: Musculoskeletal Health for Teachers and Teaching Assistants wheel (created for EUOSHA Healthy Workplaces: Lighten the Load 2020-2022 campaign) ©Lorna Taylor

There are also some simple steps that can be taken to help the workforce avoid MSD’s:

Risk assessments should be undertaken to identify any practices or activities that could overtime cause health issues for staff.

Manual handling training should be completed by staff, so they are aware of correct manual handling techniques and the negative impacts of incorrect manual handling.

Rota’s may need to be considered so staff are able to support each other. For example, heavy items should not be lifted by an individual but the load shared between two staff members.

An ‘Open Door’ policy should be encouraged, so staff feel safe to report any issues they are experiencing. It is only when employers are made aware of these issues that they can work towards solutions.

The introduction of some simple pieces of equipment to enable a better set up, for example, laptop stands, document holders and trolley bags to transfer equipment.

For staff already known to be suffering from MSD’s more specialist advice and equipment may be required.

If you think we could help you, or your staff please see our website for more details.

It’s that time of year again when you may start noticing some marvellous moustaches developing, all in aid of Movember. The charity set up to raise awareness of some of the major health issues affecting men and working hard to reduce the premature death of men by 25% by 2030.

Some of the biggest health issues faced by men include prostate cancer, testicular cancer, and mental health and suicide prevention. So, to show our support for Movember and for all the men in our lives; young and old, we have dedicated this month’s post to men’s health.

Mental Health and Suicide Prevention

In the UK 115 people die by suicide each week, 75% of these are men. Across the world 60 men are lost to suicide every hour.

Charities such as Movember and CALM aim to reduce these startling figures by promoting better mental health awareness and education, improving men’s social connections and reducing the stigma attached to men’s mental wellbeing.

It may seem to be a gender stereotype but women share their feelings and men keep theirs to themselves. 84% of men admit to bottling up their emotions.

Encouraging men to share how they are feeling will help improve wellbeing and reduce the risk of suicide. By encouraging men and boys to have meaningful conversations, we can help to normalise the behaviour. Movember Conversations gives practical guidance on how to approach conversations with male colleagues, friends and family members if you think they are having trouble coping.

Prostate Cancer

In the UK I in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer in men in the UK. Raising awareness of prostate cancer to increase early detection of the disease is vital. The earlier it can be diagnosed the better outcomes are. The prostate gland is only found in men; it is located in the pelvis and surrounds the uretha.

Men over 50 are most at risk of developing prostate cancer, and for reasons still unknown black men are more at risk and at a younger age. If you have a family history (a father or brother) whom has been diagnosed with prostate cancer you will be 2.5 times more likely to get it.

There are some symptoms to look out for but for many men they will have no symptoms, which is why it is important to know if you are more at risk. A PSA blood test is normally used to determine if prostate cancer is present. For some the cancer will be slow growing and can be managed conservatively through regular check-ups, for others surgery or radiotherapy may be required.

Offsetting a sedentary profession

Many jobs can be sedentary, and we often discuss the issues surrounding this. If you have a desk job, there are lots of solutions available to build more movement into your day; for example, a chair with a free float mechanism so you can move whilst seated, a sit-stand desk so you can alter your posture at regular intervals and introducing hourly movement breaks into your day. Unfortunately, if instead of sitting behind a desk you are sat in a heavy goods vehicle the solutions above will not apply to you. Taking breaks is easier if you are stopping regularly to complete deliveries or pick up new passengers but it is not so easy for HGV drivers who do not have natural breaks in their schedule; but it is important to take breaks when you can and to use this time to get out of the cab, go for a walk and have a stretch. According to DfT statistics, around 300 people are killed each year as a result of drivers falling asleep at the wheel. This highlights the huge importance of taking breaks and being aware of your own body and when you feel fatigued, take a break.

Testicular Cancer

Testicular cancer is the most prevalent cancer in males aged 15 to 35 years, and yet worryingly 62% of those who are most at risk do not check themselves.

The good news is testicular cancer is 95% curable, which is why it is important men are encouraged to check themselves every month and get an early diagnosis.

Charities such as Oddballs provide a handy guide on how to check yourself, as well as delivering talks to
schools, universities and workplaces, reminding boys and men to check themselves and trying to remove any embarrassment surrounding the subject. Movember have created a community to provide support to anyone diagnosed with Testicular cancer and a platform from which to access the information you may need.

In Summary

On average men die five years earlier than women, and in the main this is
preventable. Movember have suggested 5 things to know and to do:

1. Spend time with people who make you feel good. It is important for our well-being to stay connected.

2. Talk, More. Encourage your male friends to talk to you, you do not need to be an expert, just be there to listen.
3. Prostate cancer – Know the numbers. Know your risk. At the age of 50 start having the conversation with your doctor. If you are of African or Caribbean descent or have a family history of the disease then this should be aged
4. Know thy nuts. Simple. Get into a routine of checking yourself every month and if something does not feel right go to your doctor.
5. Move more. Add more activity to your day. It keeps you healthier and makes you feel better too.

The shortage in HGV drivers has been well documented over the last few months, with commentators speculating on the causes of the shortage; including Covid, Brexit and it no longer being a lifestyle many find attractive. According to the Road Haulage Association (RHA) the UK currently needs 100,000 more HGV drivers. The shortage has highlighted the importance of this profession and how reliant we all are on the work HGV drivers do. Of course, it is not just HGV drivers that spend all day in their vehicle, there are a plethora of different jobs that demand workers to be constantly on the road, for example delivery drivers and taxi drivers.

Keeping healthy whilst on the road

Long hours sat behind the wheel is not for everyone, and many would feel this type of job could have a detrimental impact on their health. If driving all day is your job, you are thinking of changing careers to take advantage of the HGV jobs currently available, or you are a haulage company owner/HR director and want to ensure your current drivers remain healthy and happy, whilst at work, we may be able to help. We can reduce the risk of sickness absence and help you manage the health and safety risks that driving daily entails. This includes making sure individual drivers are fit to work and that the vehicles they are driving are fit for purpose, see https://www.hse.gov.uk/workplacetransport/drivingforwork.htm for more details.

Vehicle condition

Vehicles must be properly maintained, fit for purpose and safe to drive. For example, if the tyre pressure is incorrect this can cause excessive vibrations through the vehicle putting additional stress on the body. If the brake pads are worn or there is not enough brake fluid this can make the brake pedal difficult to depress, putting additional pressure through the leg, hip and back. The vehicle seat should be in good condition, the driver should have good visibility and should be able to adopt a comfortable and safe driving position.

Offsetting a sedentary profession

Many jobs can be sedentary, and we often discuss the issues surrounding this. If you have a desk job, there are lots of solutions available to build more movement into your day; for example, a chair with a free float mechanism so you can move whilst seated, a sit-stand desk so you can alter your posture at regular intervals and introducing hourly movement breaks into your day. Unfortunately, if instead of sitting behind a desk you are sat in a heavy goods vehicle the solutions above will not apply to you. Taking breaks is easier if you are stopping regularly to complete deliveries or pick up new passengers but it is not so easy for HGV drivers who do not have natural breaks in their schedule; but it is important to take breaks when you can and to use this time to get out of the cab, go for a walk and have a stretch. According to DfT statistics, around 300 people are killed each year as a result of drivers falling asleep at the wheel. This highlights the huge importance of taking breaks and being aware of your own body and when you feel fatigued, take a break.

Stretch

Some small stretches can also be carried out, whilst seated, circling the wrists, tilting the neck, rotating the shoulders; for example, these will all help increase blood flow around the body and stop the muscles from stiffening. When you cannot build much movement into your working day this can be offset by trying to include some physical activity into your week, whether this is weekend walks, swimming, running or a game of five a side with your mates. It is also important to stay hydrated whilst on the road and try to eat healthy foods.

Thinking about your posture

Factoring in physical activity to offset the sedentary nature of the job is not the only change that drivers can make. It is important whilst driving, drivers adopt a posture that will not adversely affect their health. At Access 2 Comfort we observe office workers at their workstations and make changes to ensure they are adopting good practice and vehicle assessment are available for those that are permanently on the road. Our assessments will be undertaken in the vehicle, observing the driving position adopted, checking the support to the body; is the back well supported, are you seated at the right height, with the knees lower than the hips, are your arms supported and not in a stressed position. Do you feel relaxed whilst driving, or are you carrying tension through your body? We can also offer product-based solutions to help protect against the negative effects of being seated in a vehicle all day.

If you think we could help advise you or your staff on the changes that can be made to ensure driver comfort and safety then checkout our website for more information.

This month we thought we would answer some of our most frequently asked questions.

How would I know if I need a workplace assessment?

Do you suffer from aches and pains when you are sat at your workstation?
Do you feel like your symptoms get worse as the day and week progresses and symptoms ease on your days off?
Do you fidget in your chair to try and find a comfortable position?
Does looking at a screen trigger headaches or migraines?
Do you have a diagnosed condition such as sciatica, Ehlers Danlos, Hypermobility, Chronic pain, Crohn’s, Endometriosis, Cerebral Palsy, MS, RSI, Tennis Elbow to name but a few?

If the answer to any of these questions is ‘Yes’ then a workplace assessment by a specialist assessor would certainly be beneficial.

What is involved in a workplace assessment?

Assessments can be done either virtually, using a video application such as Teams or Zoom or face to face.

The assessor will discuss with you, your concerns, any symptoms you are experiencing and where appropriate ask about your medical background. You will then be observed at your workstation.

If there are any adjustments that can be made at the time, the assessor will do this. For example, they made need to raise your monitors, or adjust your chair.

After the assessment, the assessor will write a report detailing any adjustments made at assessment and if required recommend specialist equipment to help you in the workplace.

There is no obligation to purchase any equipment from us, and you can be assured any recommendations made are done so, independently, as we are not affiliated with any particular brand or manufacturer.

What are my obligations as an employer with regards to my staff, in terms of their working environment?

All employers regardless of the working environment in which their employees work, have a responsibility to protect the health, safety and welfare of their employees. As an employer, you have a duty to assess any risks in the workplace and make your employees aware of them. For more details on the basics of what employers must do to make their business comply with health and safety law checkout the Government’s HSE website.

If you have employees who use DSE (Display Screen Equipment), such as PC’s, laptops, tablets or smartphones, for more than an hour, at one time, you have a responsibility to protect them from the associated health risks. The following is taken from the HSE: In law, employers must:

• do a DSE workstation assessment
• reduce risks, including making sure workers take breaks from DSE work or do something different
• provide an eye test if a worker asks for one
• provide training and information for workers

Incorrect use of DSE or poorly designed workstations or work environments can lead to pain in the neck, shoulders, backs, arms, wrists and hands as well as fatigue and eye strain. The causes may not always be obvious.

The law applies if users are, for example:

• at a fixed workstation
• mobile workers
• home workers
• hot-desking (workers should carry out a basic risk assessment if they change desks regularly)

Many companies will do their own, basic in-house DSE assessments and will refer to companies such as Access 2 Comfort when a colleague requires more specialist equipment, and or a specific condition that needs to be addressed.

If you do not have an in-house DSE assessment process in place, Access 2 Comfort can arrange either full or half days on-site, carrying out these assessments. Where it is indicated, we will note any employees whom require a more in-depth assessment.

What are the benefits to me as an employer if I offer employees workstation assessments?

Firstly, as mentioned above you have a responsibility to your employees to at least undertake a risk assessment and for DSE users a DSE assessment. There is no obligation to use a specialist company for this.

If you choose to use Access 2 Comfort to perform either your basic DSE assessments for all staff, or just to offer external workplace assessments for those employees who report issues at their workstation, or have high rates of sickness absence, you are showing your staff that they are valued and appreciated. In addition, they will be happier and healthier, which in turn means less sickness absence and increased productivity.
Staff who feel valued perform better and are more productive.

A survey from the American Psychological Association found that feeling valued at work was linked to better physical and mental health, as well as higher levels of engagement, satisfaction and motivation. All the things that lead to a healthy and productive relationship between employer and employee. 

Will you always recommend new equipment?

Unequivocally the answer to this is ‘No’. We will only recommend equipment where it is deemed necessary. If we can utilise the equipment you already have then we will do so. We do not have our own brand of ergonomic products to sell, so you can be reassured that our intention is not to sell you equipment needlessly.

If equipment is recommended then there is no obligation to buy this through us, however, we can source, deliver and install equipment if you request us to.

How can equipment provision make a difference?

Sometimes the simplest of changes can make a big difference. Ergonomic equipment is a big industry, with huge amounts of time and money put into developing items that can provide solutions to common musculoskeletal ailments. For example, if your job entails high volumes of mouse use and you are noticing the effects on your hand and wrist, swapping to a different style of mouse, may be the simple answer. The difficulty can be knowing from the vast array of choices out there which is the best option for you, and this is where we at Access 2 Comfort come in. Our assessors have a great deal of knowledge and experience of the products on the market and can make recommendations based on your needs and budget.

One of my employees is pregnant. Should I provide a workplace assessment for them?

When an employee has informed you in writing that they are a new or expectant mother, you should immediately check your existing workplace risk assessment for any known risks that could affect them. In doing this you must take account of any medical recommendations provided by their GP or midwife. 

If you identify any risk factors you may wish to provide the employee with an external workplace assessment in order to consider solutions and ensure as the pregnancy progresses, they continue to be able to work safely and effectively.

I spend most of my time on the road. Can I have an assessment?

Yes, you can. Our assessors are trained to provide vehicle assessments for those of you whose vehicle is your office. When we drive our bodies are subject to many different forces including acceleration, deceleration and most notably vibration. In addition, as our feet are used to control the foot pedals, our bodies are not provided with the stable base of support you would normally have when sitting. These factors in conjunction with the design of some vehicle seating can cause back, neck, shoulder and limb problems for many people.

Your assessment we will be conducted in your vehicle. Our assessor will observe you seated in your vehicle and, if required whilst you are driving. We will make any adjustments we can, at the time of the assessment, in order to improve your immediate comfort.

What is a Fit to Work assessment?

A fit to work assessment is usually undertaken when an employee has been absent from work for a significant period, perhaps due to a serious or long-term medical condition, or if a new starter has disclosed a medical condition, that the employer is concerned may affect their ability to carry out their job safely.

Our assessors will consider the tasks expected of the role, and where applicable observe the employee undertaking these tasks to ensure they can be done safely. Where risks are identified, they will suggest, where they can, solutions. In some cases, it may be deemed inappropriate for an employee to return to, or undertake the role in which they are employed.

I am setting up a new office can you advise me on what equipment I should purchase?

Yes, big or small we can help with this.

If you are a company relocating or setting up new offices and are looking for new office furniture and equipment we can advise and implement this, if so required. Similarly, if you are an individual setting up a new home office, we can advise on suitable equipment for your individual needs.

If you think our expertise can help you in any way or you have any other questions, then please get in touch and we will be happy to help.

Access 2 Comfort is often called in when poor workplace ergonomics begin to have a detrimental impact on the health and wellbeing of an individual team member or employee. However, we also offer another equally important service, which is to support organisations and companies in their duty of care to team members suffering from any number of pre-existing health issues. 

Whilst people often suffer from the same medical conditions, their symptoms and the impact those symptoms have on their day-to-day lives may be completely different. This is why when we are asked to undertake an assessment, we listen, observe and make recommendations that are bespoke to each individual, based on their needs and the demands of their job. As an independent company, we are able to recommend from the wealth of specialist equipment that is available, to ensure the best option is provided to each individual.

The case studies below highlight how each case and consequently the recommendations made differ.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome

Ann was diagnosed with Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). She experiences stomach pain, lower back pain and joint pain, with constant pain in her knees. Ann finds sitting, more comfortable than standing, and raising her legs helps alleviate the pain in her knees. Charlie also has CRPS and her symptoms manifest as lower back pain, with her spine being sensitive to the touch; she is unable to lean back against anything that places pressure on her spine. Both Ann and Charlie require seating to support their specific condition related needs.
For Ann, this meant a chair that would allow for the adjustment of the back and seat angle in order to allow her to sit with her pelvis in a more neutral position, thus reducing pressure on her lower back and abdomen. Also recommended was a double leg support stool, so she can raise her legs, providing relief to her painful knees.
Charlie on the other hand needed a chair with a split backrest, comprising two individual back pads, enabling her to sit back comfortably, without any pressure being placed on her spine.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Naz experiences pain in her wrists, hands, knees, toes and feet, caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis. Whilst working, Naz explained to our assessor that she experienced pain when seated and in particular in her right shoulder and elbow when typing. Naz already had a suitable chair, it just needed adjusting by our assessor to ensure it was offering the best possible support. Initially, the seat pad was too low and the backrest was set in a fixed position. By raising the seat pad Naz could sit with a more neutral posture and by engaging the free float facility Naz was encouraged to move whilst seated, to avoid a static posture. We also recommended a soft touch, compact keyboard. which places less pressure on the fingers when typing. Naz was also recommended a rollerbar style mouse that sits in front of her keyboard and allows her to control the cursor without the need to grip or hold the mouse in a pronated position. As the mouse sits in front of the keyboard it also means Naz no longer needs to stretch to the right, a movement that was exacerbating her shoulder pain.

When we assessed Derek, he also confirmed a longstanding diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. He experiences pain and swelling in a number of areas including his hips, lower spine, hands, thumbs and knees. Derek explained the pain is constant with varying levels of intensity. Derek finds that sitting for long periods aggravates his condition and he finds relief from standing. Derek described how the use of a standard keyboard aggravates his upper limb pain. After listening to Derek describe his symptoms and what he finds to be effective ways to manage his discomfort, we recommended a height-adjustable electric desk, to enable him to alter his posture throughout the working day.

Derek was also recommended an ergonomic keyboard that allows each module to be positioned independently, to reduce ulnar deviation and pain build up in his arms.

Prolapsed Disc

When assessed, Peter described how he has suffered from a prolapsed disc for many years. His lower lumbar discs have now degenerated and he has started to use an electric wheelchair, as his mobility has become restricted. Peter described physical pain in his lower back when seated for more than one hour in his current office chair. Lizzie presented with chronic lumbar pain in her spine, due to prolapsed discs. Like Peter she also experiences reduced mobility, using a wheelchair and a walking aid when out of her home. In addition, her condition causes urinary incontinence.

Both Peter and Lizzie required new chairs to provide the specific, individual support they each needed. For Peter, a chair designed with taller and heavier users in mind was recommended. These chairs have more generous dimensions and ensure full support is provided whilst seated. However, this type of chair would not have suited Lizzie’s more petite frame and therefore a smaller ergonomic chair was the solution. Medical grade vinyl upholstery was also recommended to prevent urine soaking into the seat pan.

Crohn’s Disease

Betty and John both have Crohn’s Disease and as a result experience abdominal cramps. Betty also reported lower back pain, which seemed to be caused by the leaning postures she was adopting to guard her abdomen. Betty’s existing chair was suitable for her but was not set up correctly. The assessor was able to set the chair at the correct height, which allowed her to fully extend the abdomen, reducing pressure. The armrests were removed, as Betty was not utilising these and they were stopping her sitting fully regressed under her desk to protect her abdomen and reduce stretching.

John’s Crohn’s disease causes other symptoms including chronic fatigue and swelling in his fingers and hands, which causes dexterity issues. We recommended a keyboard with large keys to make it easier for John to type correctly when his fingers are swollen and specialist pens that are easier to grip. John’s fatigue means that he often works from his bed in an effort to find some relief, so he was also provided with a lap desk to enable him to work from bed, without adopting awkward postures.

Homeworking

The recommendations our assessors make not only have to take into account the client’s medical condition(s) but also available space. In an ideal world, everyone would have space for a desk and office chair, but this is not always the case and, in these scenarios, other solutions need to be found.

Candice is living and working from her one-bedroom flat. The only room she has to work from is her kitchen, using the kitchen table as her desk. Her symptoms, caused by her Hypermobility Syndrome, suggested she would benefit from alternating her posture from seated to standing at intervals, throughout the day, however, there was no room for an electric desk. Instead, a small footprint, sit-stand adjuster, that could be placed on top of the kitchen table was suggested. Candice also required a more supportive seating option, however, the limited space in her kitchen meant it would not be possible for Candice to stand with an office chair pushed to the rear or side of her desk. Therefore, a sit-stand stool was recommended for Candice, the stool has a smaller base than a standard office chair and would offer a partially supported, sitting position, to be alternated with working in a standing posture.

Ishmail was also home working when he was assessed, however, he had no worksurface space at all, as he was in shared accommodation; working directly from his laptop on his lap. In this instance, a mobile workspace was the recommended solution. This provided Ishmail with a suitable work surface on which to place his laptop and paperwork and as it is on wheels it could be moved between rooms and stored out of the way when not in use.

This is just a snapshot of some of the people we have been able to help. If you think we could do the same for you or someone you know please contact us.

Women’s health has received a lot of press lately, as it has been widely recognised that it has not been given the focus it deserves, despite over half the population being female. So, this month we are highlighting some of the more common health issues women can face. For all of the health issues discussed within the blog please refer to the NHS website for further information, and if you have any of the symptoms below, please seek medical advice from your GP.

Health Conditions

Endometriosis is caused when cells similar to those in the womb grow in other parts of the body. The condition affects one in ten women in the UK, symptoms can vary but are often debilitating and can affect how women live their lives. Common symptoms include pain in the lower tummy and lower back and heavy bleeding.

Fibroids are non-cancerous growths in and around the uterus. Similar to endometriosis they can cause a range of symptoms such as low back pain, abdominal pain and heavy and painful periods. It is thought 1 in 3 women will develop fibroids but for many, they are symptom-free and do not require invasive treatment.

Menopausal symptoms can take many forms including, but not limited to headaches, fatigue, brain fog, anxiety, hot and cold flushes, tummy pain/cramps and back pain and without the right treatment women can find this a very negative time in their lives. It largely affects women from the age of 45 onwards, but some women will start to experience symptoms at a much younger age.

A pelvic organ prolapse; when one of the organs in the pelvis drops and protrudes into the vagina, which can lead to pain and discomfort in the lower tummy and vagina. It can severely impact a woman’s daily routine.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovaries) is a condition thought to affect around one in ten women in the UK. Symptoms include irregular periods, difficulty getting pregnant, excessive body hair, mood changes and weight gain.

Whilst not a condition that only affects women; urinary incontinence does affect twice as many women as men. This is due to pregnancy, childbirth, prolapse and menopause, all making urinary incontinence more likely.

Urinary Tract Infection can affect anyone, male or female, however, the most common UTIs occur mainly in women and affect the bladder and urethra. They can be very painful, and result in symptoms such as an urge to urinate frequently, a burning sensation when urinating and considerable pelvic pain. In serious cases the infection can spread to the kidneys causing back and side pain, as well as fever and nausea.

Pregnancy in itself is not an illness, however, it does of course lead to changes in a woman’s body, which can cause general discomfort, tiredness, the urge to urinate more often, swollen hands and ankles, back pain and more seriously pre-eclampsia.

Management Strategies

The list of health issues above is far from exhaustive and many of the ones mentioned are conditions that women have to manage through medication and lifestyle changes. So, whilst the right office equipment and office environment cannot cure any of these conditions, they can make some symptoms more manageable.

One of the simplest and most effective strategies is to take regular breaks away from your desk. Regardless of whether you have any health issues, taking regular breaks allows you to alter your posture, gives you time to get a drink, to ensure a regular intake of fluids, gives you time to undertake some stretches to ease any discomfort and allows you to adjust your seated position when you come back to your desk. Moving away from your desk is also important for your mental health, allowing you to change your focus for a few minutes and come back to the task in hand with a fresher outlook.

If you have already tried implementing posture breaks but have not found these effective, or have struggled to incorporate breaks into your schedule you could consider either a sit-stand desk adaptor or an electric height adjustable desk. Both of these options will enable the better management of postural change by allowing you to raise and lower your workstation to work in both seated and standing postures.

A well-supporting chair is a must for anyone suffering from back pain or abdominal pain/cramps. A chair that fits your stature and can be adjusted to provide support where you need it, is an effective tool in managing the pain you experience. A chair with a well-cushioned seat pad could be very useful to someone who experiences pain on sitting, a lack of cushioning is quite likely to increase ground reaction forces through the back and pelvis. Being able to sit back fully in your chair allows the pelvis to remain open and less pressure to be placed on the abdomen from adopting a slouched posture. You may wish to consider a mesh-backed chair if you suffer from hot flushes, as they allow for better airflow. Some chair suppliers also offer a vinyl fabric covering; useful for anyone experiencing heavy bleeding or incontinence. Bespoke chairs can also be configured to offer adaptations to include split seat pads, coccyx cutouts and even heat pads.

If you are often on the move so using the same chair every day is not an option inflatable lumbar support, that can be fitted to any chair may be helpful and provide the additional support required to improve your comfort. Also, consider a laptop trolley bag, that can be wheeled rather than carried. Reducing the amount, you lift and carry can help reduce the risk of exacerbating conditions such as prolapse and stress incontinence, and reduce symptoms such as back pain and stomach cramps. For anyone with swollen ankles, a rocking footrest can help to encourage movement, whilst you are seated and boost circulation to the legs and feet to help reduce swelling.

As a pregnancy progresses and your body changes it is important to reassess your workstation setup. Your chair may need adjusting or a chair that offers more support may be required. You may find you can no longer pull yourself in close to your desktop to rest your arms, in this case, arm supports that can be mounted on the desktop can be useful.

Don’t forget to think about your working environment too. Check out last month’s blog for more information about this. Our team of assessors are on hand to offer their expert advice to help you within the workplace, whatever your needs. So please get in touch if you think we could help you.