BT Launches Guide For Mobile Workers On Keeping Fit
BT Business has launched a practical guide - Get fit for mobile working - to help businesses tackle the problems encountered by some of the UK's 14 million mobile workers. The guide is designed to help mobile workers to avoid the back, neck and arm problems that can arise as a result of working in unfamiliar environments with a poor posture.
The guide is being shared with all BT employees, says Bill Murphy, Managing Director of BT Business
Official figures show that back, neck and arm problems are the most common occupational illnesses in the UK. Over a fifth (20.6%) of BT employees' sickness absence is caused by such illnesses.
However, newly published research carried out by BT Business shows that less than half (46%) of mobile workers are receiving guidance about staying safe when working on the move. Furthermore, a quarter (25%) of workers are unaware that all businesses are legally responsible for their health and safety wherever they are working, whether or not they are in the office.
To show workers there is no reason to be suffering discomfort, BT Business has worked with Margaret Hanson, one of the UK's leading ergonomists, to publish a handy reference guide. Get fit for mobile working helps to identify common issues, their causes, and the solutions to ensure you steer clear of back, neck and arm problems both now and in the coming years. The advice will be communicated internally to more than 100,000 employees at BT itself.
Dr Paul Litchfield, BT's Chief Medical Officer said "Mobile working can liberate people by giving them more flexibility over their time and more control over their jobs – both are important in helping to make modern life less stressful. As with any technology, people can experience problems with mobile devices if they don't take note of simple, practical steps, such as those developed by BT Business, before they begin to use their equipment."
Recent years have seen an explosion in mobile working, and a demonstration of the benefits - 83% of us think flexible working brings competitive advantages in business, whilst 54% of managers believe flexible workers have a better quality of life.
Bill Murphy, Managing Director of BT Business said "Mobile and flexible working has transformed both business and personal lives. By observing a few general principles, workers can ensure they see all the benefits of mobile working, without any downside. Businesses need to be aware of their legal responsibility for the health and safety of employees, wherever they are working."
"There has been a lack of advice for employees about best practice mobile working, despite the explosion in mobile and remote working in the UK. This is why we have teamed up with leading ergonomist Margaret Hanson to produce the advice within Get fit for mobile working which we are making available to customers, and sharing with all BT employees.
You can download the complete guide here
Source: insight.bt.com / remoteemployment.com / accessibility.com.au
