TUC Champions Best Practice in Ergonomics

System Concepts works closely with the TUC, providing a range of ergonomics advice and training to help them improve their working environment.

With more than 70 member unions, the Trades Union Congress (TUC) campaigns for a fair deal at work for nearly seven million people from all walks of life.  They were one of the first organisations to put in processes to comply with the original EC Directive on Display Screen Equipment and have maintained this forward-thinking approach with a wide-ranging programme of improvements.

System Concepts has worked closely with the TUC on a number of projects including:

• ergonomic survey of working conditions at their head and regional offices across the UK
• specialist display screen equipment assessments with people suffering from back or upper limb disorders
• audits of disabled facilities, access, egress and evacuation at both Congress House and the NEC
• health, safety and ergonomics training
• office refurbishment and move to open-plan working.

Making Changes to the Working Environment

A key aspect of System Concepts’ work has been to help the TUC to introduce changes to the working environment, assisting initially with a major refurbishment programme and then steering the move towards open-plan office layouts.

System Concepts regularly advises clients on office planning and focuses on ergonomics to ease the planning process and the implementation of change.

People can often be very particular about their personal working environments and re-organisation can cause considerable disruption.  Ergonomics puts people first and makes the user of any system or workstation the centre of the design process.  By asking people about their needs, involving them in the process and addressing the key concerns of layout, lighting, noise control and communications, changes can be brought about relatively easily and costly errors avoided. 

Our recommendations helped the TUC to avoid expenditure on equipment and furniture which were unsuitable for the staff and their tasks and likely to lead to discomfort if used.  A comfortable and safe working environment will help to increase productivity and reduce sickness and absenteeism rates.

Mike Jones, head of management services at the TUC comments:

The concept of open plan working is a sensitive issue for us and staff had real concerns about its impact on the way they worked.  System Concepts worked with us to allay many of those concerns, drawing on their expertise in bringing about the changes and because of their professionalism and sensitive approach, the team has built up a high degree of credibility with staff.

What did the client say?

 Our work with System Concepts has enabled us to achieve best practice in ergonomics and health and safety legislation and helps us to promote the same standards across industry and commerce in our role as the voice of Britain at work.

The heightened awareness of these issues across our organisation means that we can anticipate problems and to take preventative action.  Our commitment has increased staff morale as it demonstrates that employee welfare is a priority at the TUC.

Mike Jones, Head of Management Services, TUC