| The environment that people are required to work in | | | | where they work?oLight intensity. The requirements |
| can have a significant impact on their ability to | | | | for light intensity and type of light should be determined |
| undertake the tasks that they have been asked to do. | | | | as insufficient light will impact on visual inspection |
| This can affect productivity and employee health and | | | | activities.oWeather/temperature. Is the area where the |
| well-being. The key factors fall into two categories, | | | | individual is required to work too hot or too cold, open |
| those that are driven by procedures, protocols and | | | | to the weather/elements? If there is a requirement to |
| management requirements and the factors that arise | | | | work outside or in adverse temperatures does the |
| from premises, office or factory design. | | | | company provide adequate controls, clothing or |
| Management driven factors include the development | | | | equipment?oVentilation/humidity. Does the work |
| of:oOrganisation plans such as the allocation of | | | | environment contain poor quality air that could cause |
| responsibilities at all levels of the organisation, definition | | | | fatigue or a reduction in performance?oNoise/vibration. |
| of job descriptions and the degree of access to the | | | | Can vibration affect an individual's performance or |
| management and administrative support needed to | | | | safety? Is it a requirement to wear ear protection? |
| complete their tasks;oWorking patterns, shift-working, | | | | Could this adversely affect performance?oOdour/dust |
| break times, absence or holiday cover; andoHealth and | | | | or other emissions. How is this assessed and if |
| safety policies, including the provision of training, | | | | required controlled to ensure personnel |
| development of safe working practices and the | | | | safety?oPremises hygiene/welfare facilities. Is the area |
| adequate supply of protective clothing and equipment. | | | | that the individual is expected to work in hygienic, clean |
| The work environment can also have an impact on an | | | | and tidy? Does the level of clutter affect |
| individual's ability to work safely, competently and in | | | | performance? Is the area so filthy, unhygienic or |
| compliance with operational performance targets. It is | | | | infested with pests that it causes stress to those |
| important to address the following:oWork space | | | | individuals working there? Are staff facilities, toilets, |
| availability. Have you determined whether there is | | | | washrooms, canteens, coffee making facilities |
| adequate space available for the tasks the individual is | | | | appropriate and maintained in a hygienic state? |
| required to undertake? Are desks/computer terminals | | | | How often do you as a senior manager take a site |
| being shared and is this affecting productivity or | | | | walk? What do you look for? Do you know what |
| causing stress? If the individual is working in a | | | | effect current employee dissatisfaction has on |
| manufacturing area and they need to complete | | | | organisational productivity and profitability? Remember |
| documentation or carry out inspection is there a work | | | | it is your responsibility to ensure the health, safety and |
| station available in their work environment close to | | | | welfare of those who work for you! |