Various environmental factors can affect body positioning at work, including the following:
Appropriate lighting can reduce musculoskeletal symptoms and eye strain.
When organizing a workplace, it is necessary to assess how much lighting is needed and what kind of light sources are most suitable. If the work or working conditions change, lighting and light sources may need to be revised.
In general, lighting from behind should be avoided as much as possible, since then you are working in the shadow of your own body.
It is best to use daylight when working, but of course in Iceland you must often add to that light.
When working on computer screens, it is best if the lighting comes from the side.
Lighting for computer work should take into account whether the screen has a light or dark background.
To prevent glare and reflections from screens and other equipment, consider adjusting the layout of the workplace according to the guidelines provided.
A working environment that is either too hot or too cold can affect how we use our body and thus possibly lead to discomfort, mistakes at work or symptoms of the musculoskeletal system.
The appropriate temperature varies from job to job and can also vary from one individual to the next.
The most comfortable humidity level at a workplace is around 30-50%
Flooring in the workplace can make a big difference to body positioning and well-being at work.
Standing for long periods on floor types that are hard, e.g. tiles or stone, can be difficult. Often the nature of the work is such that it cannot be avoided. In those cases, you must assess whether the shoes the employees use are suitable.
You can use soft mats under your feet to soften the surface.
Consider changing our shoes over the course of the day to rest your feet
It is best to reduce noise at its source.
Distraction caused by external noise can cause stress, which can affect concentration, performance and general well-being.
Noise can be caused by unwanted or harmful sounds from various sources, such as people's activities, traffic or noisy working conditions like construction sites.
To limit noise in the environment, both employers and employees need to be aware of reasons for the noise and possible solutions.
Prolonged exposure to loud noise can cause permanent hearing damage and increase the risk of accidents. To protect employees' hearing and enhance their safety, workplace noise levels must be reduced if they are likely to exceed certain limits.
Vibration can cause discomfort and permanent damage. Vibration can for example come from hand tools or work machines and can even spread throughout the workplace.
In response to vibration, various strategies can be used. These include:
Changing work methods so that employees are less exposed to mechanical vibrations
A suitable choice of work tools, which are ergonomically designed and produce the least possible vibration with respect to the job being done.
Using accessories that reduce the risk. For example, seats that significantly reduce vibrations in the whole body and handles that reduce the transmission of vibrations to the hands and arms.
Giving information and training to the employees on how to use work equipment correctly and safely and to keep mechanical vibrations to a minimum. Also looking at sitting position, body posture and settings on seats and even controls.
Reasonable working hours with appropriate rest periods. It is best to limit the time that employees are exposed to vibration and reduce vibration as much as possible.
More on the effects and resource for vibration here
Regulation no. 922/2006 about protection against stress due to mechanical vibration at workplaces (only avilable in Icelandic)
Service provider
Administration of Occupational Safety and Health