Survey Claims 70% UK Office Workers Suffer Ill Health

A survey of 1,136 workers in the UK conducted during February and March 2006 has revealed a clear link between outdated computer equipment, low job satisfaction levels, workplace ailments and increased sick-leave.

The survey shows that despite all of the attention placed on WRULDs and the importance of good posture, well designed work desks (as opposed to the fashionable 'DSE Desks') and the need for regular workstation assessments, the situation in the UK has not improved if the results of this survey are accurate.

The survey found that 70% of workers suffer from poor temperature control, eyestrain, headaches, RSI, poor lighting or inappropriate desk layout.  The incidence of eye-strain, headaches and RSI was seen to be much higher in those aged 16-24 who are just entering the world of work, 44% of whom reported suffering from these problems.  

However, in this age group the consideration of PC based activity outside of the workplace was not made. Given the increased use of PC games and games consols in the home environment were often the desk utelised is the cheap and badly designed so-called 'ergonomic desk' designed for the home office as supplied by many office and stationary chainstores, it is entirely possible that damage is being done to this age group before they enter the working environment.

The survey was conducted by Tickbox.net on behalf of ViewSonic Corp, a worldwide leader in visual display products, investigating the impact of outdated computer equipment in the office.

Source: ViewSonic Corp

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