Comfort At Work

A safe and healthy environment is generally one which is comfortable. This is not always practical but all reasonable efforts should be made to make the workplace as comfortable as possible.

It can be uncomfortable to either sit or stand or long periods. If it is reasonable for employees to perform their duties while seated then seating must be provided. The type of seating should be designed in a way that is appropriate for the task at hand and should provide both comfort and stability. If it is necessary to perform the work standing seating can normally be provided for breaks.

Employers have a responsibility to provide workers with a smoke free environment. The Ministry of Health is responsible for the laws which govern smoking in places of work. It has long been established that smoking and being exposed to second hand smoke are both health hazards. Developing a smoke free policy is a good idea. This can then be referred to during recruitment, in employment agreements and other workplace policies. Smoke free signs and the smoke free policy can be put up around the workplace. All contractors should be notified of the smoke free policy. All employees should receive education and training about the smoke free policy and managers and supervisors should be trained in ways to manage breaches. An employee can lodge a complaint with the Ministry of Health if these measures are not taken.

There is no requirement in law for work to cease at any particular minimum or maximum temperature. This is because there are many factors that influence how much we are affected by air temperature . How hot we feel can be influenced by external factors such as air temperature, humidity and wind. This can be exacerbated by having to wear protective clothing, strenuous work, level of acclimatisation and insufficient breaks. It can be uncomfortable to feel hot and this can lower productivity and morale and as such the above factors should be controlled as much as possible. Excessive heat exposure can cause heat exhaustion and in extreme cases even fatal heat stroke. Employers and their employees should take all practicable steps to make sure that heat exposure is within safe levels.
Low temperatures can also result in an employee feeling stressed. This can happen when they are required to work outside in the cooler months, at high altitude, in wet weather or in refrigerated environments. Wind chill factor needs to be taken into account even at moderate temperatures. The onus is on employers to make sure that workers wear suitable protective gear and that appropriate precautions are taken. Some effects may be minor and result in only discomfort but greater cold stress can have serious consequences including death.

When a worker is feeling the effects of cold stress they experience stiff joints, reduced muscle strength, loss of dexterity and is less mentally alert. Accidents are more likely as a consequence. Exposure to low temperatures can affect the extremities in the form of frost nip leading to frost bite or can extend to affect the body's core resulting in hypothermia. As women are less able to increase their body temperature by shivering or activity they are more likely than men to suffer ill effects form exposure to cold. Other factors which affect the level of cold injury are increased age, fatigue, some drugs, alcohol and smoking.

Making sure that the working environment is comfortable is an important aspect of ensuring the health and safety of employees.

By: Pluto Becks

Article Directory: http://www.articledashboard.com

For more information on Work place Comfort please visit our website, OSH NZ