Lack Of Office Space In Bath Poses Health Risk For Businesses

Bath ergonomics experts warn of growing problem of poor posture for home worker.

Bath’s shortage of office space is presenting a growing health risk as more businesses allow employees to work away from the office, warns a Bath based business that specialises in advising industry and the military on ergonomics and health and safety.

With more staff working away from the office, and businesses unable to control or monitor their home working environments, there is an increased risk of developing health problems through poor posture and misuse of IT equipment, as Dr Dave Usher of InterAction of Bath explains. “As more people work remotely, it is increasingly difficult for employers to exercise any control over the devices their staff use or the environments in which they use them. Yet those employers are still ultimately responsible for the health of their staff regardless of where they work, and are bound by the regulations in place to ensure worker wellbeing.

“These regulations are increasingly difficult to interpret as they were drafted before the technology enabled remote working and fluid working practices.  This leaves employers vulnerable to growing levels of worker illness, absenteeism and even compensation claims.  It is a problem that businesses are failing to address.

“There has been a phenomenal growth in flexible working practices in recent years. Staff are no longer chained to the office desk as they were in the past. They are also increasingly using their own IT equipment, a practice known as ‘Bring Your Own Device’ (BYOD) which is very popular and has been proven to result in greater productivity.

“Here in Bath we have a healthy business community of service suppliers and artisan businesses which are very progressive and will be embracing remote working for its productivity benefits, but also as a solution to the shortage of office space as they expand.

“Until the regulations are updated to factor in fluid working practices, InterAction of Bath is telling Bath based businesses and organisations to take a proactive approach to the problem and to incorporate employee education programmes that advise on issues such as posture, chair and desk use, and correct use of technology.

“Bath has a reputation as a healthy city founded on the reputation of its ancient spa waters,” concludes Dr Usher.  “It would be a tragedy if this healthy reputation were undermined by the risks posed by modern working practices.”

For further information visit www.interactionofbath.com