Employees ‘get it in the neck’

Almost half of UK businesses are risking the long-term health of employees by using unsuitable equipment in the office.

This is according to research carried out by Coleman Parkes on behalf NB Data, a UK telecoms distributor.

Employees are suffering from ‘phone-neck’ – a form of repetitive strain injury. Forty-two per cent of respondents who use either fixed-line headsets or a traditional handset in their day-to-day role had experienced neck pain during the past year.

Almost two thirds indicated their phone use exceeds five hours each day. A further 30 per cent spend between three and five hours on the phone every day. According to the survey, three-quarters of respondents using a fixed line headset or traditional handset felt chained to their desk by this technology. Sixty-four per cent of those believed that having cordless headsets would make them more productive by enabling them to work in any office location.

“It’s incredible that employees are spending up to five hours a day on the phone. By providing wrong, outdated equipment, companies are jeopardising their greatest asset, their staff. Dragging their feet over equipment issues is simply not acceptable,” said Gary Basso, director, NB Data. “Relatively low levels of investment in the short-term to upgrade kit will ultimately pay dividends as companies will slash time out of the office for avoidable sick days.”

As a result of this research, NB Data has come up with five top tips that serve as a useful reminder of the easily overlooked health and safety issues affecting employers and employees who regularly use telecoms equipment at work. The tips provide guidance on how best to tackle these largely avoidable problems.

1. Proper seating that encourages good posture is an essential step in avoiding unnecessary neck and back strain. Employers should ensure that staff are provided with adjustable seating and are aware of how to correctly position their seats in order to prevent neck and back pain.

2. Ensure that the volume control on the headset is adjusted to a constant and moderate volume. Not only can staff suffer from hearing problems as a result of prolonged exposure to high noise levels, but sudden increases in volume can also startle staff or even result in acoustic shock.

3. Headset and voice tube hygiene can combat infection and maintain call quality. Regular headset cleaning will prevent staff from suffering from nasty ear infections. Voice tube cleaning is not only essential for preventing infection, but will also maintain call quality to the highest standard by preventing voice loss.

4. Every member of staff should ensure that they are provided with their own headset and that this is the only one they use. Ear infections can easily be picked up through headset sharing amongst colleagues.

5. Re-hydration and good nutrition. Looking after yourself is crucial if you are going to perform to the best of your ability at work. Frequent drinks of water will not only keep your voice clear but also combat dehydration. Healthy snacks rather than calorific sugar fixes will keep energy levels high and prevent tiredness at work.

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