Make sure you don’t crumble under the pressure of cutting costs by cutting back on health and safety. During tough times, when improving the bottom line is harder than ever, controlling loss is even more important.

When organisations improve their working environments in ways that promote health, evidence shows that absence and injuries decrease, there is improved productivity and performance and employees cope better with change. We're glad to see that organisations are able to understand the benefits of ergonomic and hygienic computer equipment, and how the costs will be outweighed by keeping staff safe, energized and happy.

Record breakers

An Australian ergonomic office furniture company has recorded record sales for their ergonomic designs, over cheaper ranges with fewer features. Sit Back & Relax say,

"Times are certainly tough but we are seeing a strong move towards office furniture that makes people feel good. With increased stress and people certainly working longer hours the need for well-being in the office is more important than ever".

Don't pick up the bill

The head of Health and Safety watchdog, HSE, is concerned that health and safety could be one casualty of the recession. Judith Hackitt reports that poor health and safety was estimated to cost the UK £20bn to £30bn every year, with business picking up more than 10% of the billl, she said,

“If you're trying to find ways of recovering from recession, that's two to three billion pounds you should not be throwing away."

UK businesses catching on

With health and safety legislation becoming more stringent and the ongoing battle against superbugs, UK hygiene company, TEAL, is experiencing a significant increase in sales for their mobile hot water hand wash units.

A new hygiene product close to our hearts, the CleanKeys Keyboard, is also high in demand and has been shortlisted for the 2009 BISF Safety awards.

“We’re delighted that the interest already shown in the CleanKeys keyboard reflects the seriousness UK businesses place on health and safety in the workplace.”

Things are looking up

Thankfully we no longer have to cope with the uncomfortable keyboard and mouse which comes as standard with our computers. Now, ergonomic equipment is available to everyone.

"There's never been a more important time to utilise every resource, especially people. Investing in ergonomic computer equipment creates a genuine opportunity to save money and increase productivity."

Simon Colebrook, Operations Director, Keytools

To discuss your ergonomic computer needs, call 023 8029 4500 or go to http://www.keytools.co.uk/.