MAY 21

' Safety isn't expensive, it's priceless. In today's digital workspaces, occupational safety is the foundation upon which productivity and well-being thrive.' - Bill Gates In the digital work era, 'going to work' has been redefined.

From coffee shops to living rooms, work has infiltrated various spaces, bringing unique health and safety challenges. With ergonomics, mental health, cybersecurity and physical health hazards emerging in these workspaces, we must adapt our understanding and management of occupational safety.

Occupational health and safety is not restricted only to the work sites but also to the offices, school, colleges and institutes.

Ergonomic risks, such as digital eye strain and musculoskeletal issues due to poor posture, can be mitigated by promoting regular breaks, ergonomic training and providing ergonomic equipment.

Mental health hazards, including increased anxiety and burnout due to blurred work-life boundaries, can be controlled by offering mental health resources, fostering work-life balance and encouraging social connection.

The digital workspace is also vulnerable to cybersecurity threats. Regular cybersecurity training, secure networks and regular software updates can help safeguard our digital workspaces.

Lastly, the sedentary nature of remote work can contribute to health issues like obesity and heart disease.

To combat this, employers can promote physical activity, and offer health and wellness programmes.

In the face of these challenges, employers and employees must collaborate to create a safe digital work environment. As we embrace this new world of work, let's prioritise occupational safety, ensuring productivity without compromising on health and well-being.

In the words of American physicist William Pollard, 'The healthiest competition occurs when average people win by putting in above-average effort.'

Let's put in that above-average effort to create above-average digital workspaces that are safe, healthy and productive.

Despite the freedom offered by digital workspaces, they also harbour less visible hazards such as technostress, poor lighting, electrical safety issues, noise distractions and feelings of isolation.

Technostress, caused by constant connectivity, can be controlled by encouraging regular 'digital detox' periods and effective time management. Poor lighting, straining the eyes, can be mitigated through guidance on setting up well-lit workspaces and avoiding screen glare.

Electrical safety can be improved by sharing safety tips, such as not overloading outlets and regularly inspecting equipment. Noise distractions can be reduced with noise-cancelling headphones and flexible work schedules.

Lastly, the feeling of isolation due to remote work can be managed by ensuring regular check-ins and facilitating virtual social events.

The digital workspace is a new frontier, and navigating it safely requires our vigilance and proactive efforts.

Let's ensure our workspaces, wherever they may be, are not only productive but also safe and healthy.

In the end, every worker deserves a workspace that safeguards their health and well-being while facilitating their best work.

Recent data highlights the growing need for action in the digital workspace.

According to a 2022 survey conducted by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) of the United States, 70 per cent of remote workers reported symptoms of digital eye strain.

A study by the American Psychological Association (APA) found that since the shift to remote work, reported levels of work-related stress and burnout have increased by 35 per cent.

Similarly, America's National Safety Council (NSC) revealed a 230 per cent increase in reported ergonomic issues among remote workers compared to pre-pandemic levels. Cybersecurity breaches have also skyrocketed, with the one of the leading Internet Crime Complaint Centre reporting a 300 per cent increase in reported cybercrimes since the start of remote work.

However, it's not all doom and gloom. These statistics underline the importance of the controls we've discussed, and there are positive signs, too.

For instance, companies implementing regular digital detoxes and promoting work-life balance have seen a 25 per cent decrease in reported technostress, according to a study in the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine. However, with every challenge comes an opportunity.

In this case, the opportunity is to redefine our understanding of occupational safety, adapt our strategies, and create digital workspaces that are not only efficient and innovative, but also safe and healthy.

After all, every worker, no matter where they are, deserves a workspace that supports their well-being and allows them to do their best work.

In the words of Father James Keller, 'A candle loses nothing by lighting another candle.' Let's use our knowledge and resources to light the way to safer digital workspaces, because in doing so, we all stand to gain.

In conclusion, the transformation of our workspaces into digital platforms is a double-edged sword. It offers unprecedented flexibility and potential for innovation, but it also presents new challenges for occupational safety. Data shows us that these are not hypothetical risks, but real issues affecting workers worldwide.

Dr Ved is a HSE (health, safety and environment) consultant and training Specialist