WORKPLACE ENVIRONMENT

Having experienced working in adverse conditions and wearing many different types of protective clothing we at Humanicks are keenly aware of the effects it has on operators. Poor environment experienced over years can increase staff sickness and turnover, and reduce productivity. At the extremes of heat and cold cognitive and physical functioning degrades to a dangerous level.

We always look at the operator in terms of the environment they work in, it’s common sense. We look at the structures around the operator, as well as the equipment the operator must wear and use. We consider lighting, heat/cold, noise, vibration, humidity in our assessments to ensure the operator can perform to their potential.

In our experience, body armour can be incredibly effective but too restrictive and either too hot or too bulky to accommodate extra clothing in the cold, so therefore it does not meet the primary aim – to protect the user to perform their role.

In a recent project our consultants helped to optimise the illumination and heating design of a major new nuclear facility; and by designing a suitable work-rest regime, we were able to alleviate the effects of dry skin and sore eyes for people working in areas of ultra-low humidity.

It is often the case that in building design the services do not take priority, they take a priority after commissioning during their maintenance cycle. As HVAC noise is reduced by attenuation, the attenuators get bigger and maintenance space gets smaller. Similarly, the access to fire dampers and the regularity of their checks and maintenance can create a huge maintenance burden.