Osmond Ergonomics

This article was originally emailed as our monthly eBulletin at 11:30 on 14/10/2020. You can register here to receive them monthly.

MUSCULOSKELETAL ISSUES ON THE INCREASE

As the HSE announces a Zoom support facility for homeworkers, it is clear that prolonged work periods with inadequate equipment provision are starting to take their toll. Over the last several months, we have seen employers adopting all sorts of approaches to the ergonomics needs of their homeworkers but comparatively few are really getting to grips with the growing numbers of back, shoulder and neck issues. This has not been helped by inconsistent government policy about returning to the office or working from home. [more]

WORKPLACE TRENDS

I am speaking at the latest Workplace Trends virtual conference on October 15th. By the time you read this, it may well be too late to attend but you will be able to find out more on the WT web site or Vimeo channel. This is the first time I have been involved as a presenter, but I have attended a number of events and they provide real insight into changes and developments in the workplace.

It is an honour to be part of another very impressive panel of speakers. Obviously, ‘Success in Uncertain Times’, this month’s event, is an especially pressing topic and the experts will be looking at the changing role of the workplace and corporate responses to current demands.

TIPS FOR HOMEWORKERS

We have not offered this webinar for a while because we have been busy running online versions of our in-house training sessions with our corporate clients. This 45 minute session is our most popular topic and looks at ways to improve posture and comfort in the home by simple setup adjustments, whether using an office chair or domestic furniture.

Find out more about the webinar and register here or contact our Training Manager for more information about corporate delivery.

HOMEWORKER.UK.COM

It is very clear to us that not everybody wants home furniture that looks like it was stolen from the office! Equally important, many people do not have space at home for the sort of desk they use at work. We have, therefore, been beavering away quietly at a new web site, specifically targeting homeworkers and their needs. Whilst good employers provide suitable equipment for their homeworkers, not everyone gets everything they need and not everyone wants what is offered!

The new site aims to fill those gaps. It is very different from ergonomics.co.uk, offering VAT-inclusive pricing, more focus on aesthetics and a consumer, rather than commercial, experience.

NEW PRODUCTS

Frequent readers will know that new products appear in this eBulletin from time to time but are not a regular feature. I have taken care over the years to ensure that this medium contains useful information and is not just an email brochure once a month. However, various clients have suggested that a dedicated New Product email would be useful and the current pace of change in the workplace corroborates that.

As you may have seen in recent newsletters, we have launched the separate Product Radar email for those who want to ensure that the latest and best is ‘on their radar’. Of particular value to DSE assessors, Occupational Health and Health & Safety personnel, the registration and archive link page is here.