The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) estimates that sickness absence costs UK plc over £12 billion per year, of this sum £4.8 million is attributable to MSD’s (Muscular Skeletal Disorders). John Bell of Paradigm Office Interiors gives his views to HR consultants HR101.

Birmingham, UK -- (SBWire) -- 03/06/2014 --Because of this, it has made tackling MSD’s one of its key priorities. Repetitive activities and unhealthy posture can create discomfort, and potentially serious health risks in the long term. To get some expert advice on how to reduce the risk and cost of MSD’s, HR consultants HR101 spoke to John Bell of Paradigm Office Interiors.

“If you think about the amount of time people spend sitting, it becomes clear just how important having the right chair is in reducing the risk of employees suffering from MSD’s. A good working posture is one that requires the least amount of static muscle work with least muscle effort.

“The more varied the posture the better. The correct sitting position is the critical first step in minimising the risk of back pain. The spine is one of the most delicate parts of the human body. An incorrect sitting position such as slouching may result in unhealthy curve of the spine and puts increased pressure on the soft tissues (muscles, discs and so on).”

“There has been much research on the effects of workplace environments Brill et al. (1984), Sundstrom, (1994) Leaman (1995) Hughes (2007) I could go on, all of which conclude that improving the working environment improves productivity. One such study confirms that the best ergonomic furniture improved performance by 10 to 15 percent."

A good quality office chair with a 5 year guarantee could cost as little as £1.00 per week over its life span. So, based on this information, what could your old chairs be costing your business?

ABOUT Paradigm Interiors Ltd
Paradigm Interiors Ltd specialise in office furniture, office design, office refurbishment and office relocation and create world class workplace environments throughout the UK.