Working safely while seated

Working in an office is not without risks. Employees in business services can get sick from work for a variety of reasons. These occupational risks can vary from company to company. Nevertheless, there are three occupational risks that are commonly mentioned in relation to working in the office.

Psychosocial workload

Psychosocial workload (PSA) can include; sexual harassment, aggression and violence, bullying and work pressure.

Monitor work

Computers are an indispensable tool for many business service workers. All that computer screen work can lead to health complaints. These may include, for example, complaints described as Complaints of Arm, Neck and Shoulder (CANS). Furthermore, screen work can lead to eye complaints in your employees, among other things.

Prolonged sitting

In fact, this work risk is an extension of the previous one. Indeed, in many cases, monitor work goes hand in hand with prolonged sitting. This is not as innocent as it seems. In fact, it is associated with premature death and therefore also called "the new smoking."

The employer must ensure a safe and healthy workplace. This starts with developing a good occupational health and safety policy and describing the risks in a Risk Inventory and Evaluation. Next, a Plan of Action will be drawn up which indicates how the risks will be addressed.

The right office chair

All qualitative office chairs in our country must meet certain standards, such as the NPR standard. Such norms were created to create certain standards that manufacturers must adhere to. For example, an office chair must be adjustable and have armrests. The seat height and back must also be adjustable. Thus, the chair must be optimally adaptable to the height of the employee, for example. A non-optimized office chair causes health problems such as faster back pain, reduced circulation but also less energy.

Variety is important when we do sedentary or screen work. Using a sit-stand desk, we can alternate sitting and standing several times a day. We can hold active meetings while standing. There are also already tools to be active behind your desk, such as the deskbike or desk bike.