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Computer use 'risking employees' long-term health'

Published On 26 April 2007 at 08:57:02

The bosses of Britain's small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) need to do more to ensure their workers are not causing themselves long-term damage when using company computers, a new report warns.

According to ViewSonic Europe, a leading supplier of visual display products, a vast majority of UK office workers suffer from chronic poor 'desk health' and bosses should act to improve the situation.

The data shows that 77 per cent of employees reported eye fatigue as a result of staring at a computer screen for too long. Nearly three quarters (71 per cent) said they get back ache and 67 per cent suffer headaches.

Nearly half (47 per cent) of all workers said they spend more than six hours staring at a computer screen every day, but only 47 per cent thought their employers had offered them advice to prevent problems developing.

"The research shows that not only are we a workforce plagued by chronic ill-health, but that we lack the will to change at both an individual and corporate level," said Mel Taylor, the director of European marketing at ViewSonic.

"Employers could eliminate these issues instantly for many staff by promoting better desktop ergonomics. Sadly, the issue is not on the board's agenda, despite the potential for huge productivity gains."

The study also revealed that bosses could find themselves in financial trouble if they do not act to improve the situation - 69 per cent of workers said they would consider future legal action if they developed long-term problems as a result.

 

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