The Government’s COVID-19 advert people to “stay home, protect the NHS, save lives”, uses a picture of a woman sitting on a sofa cross-legged using a laptop, which, the BSC says, sends the wrong message about worker wellbeing.
The Government is being urged to withdraw the advert as it appears to show a lack of understanding around the musculoskeletal problems that can develop from poor workstation set up, which have increased during the pandemic.
An Institute for Employment Studies home worker wellbeing survey carried out last year revealed an increase in musculoskeletal conditions. More than half of respondents reported experiencing new aches and pains, with the neck, shoulders and back particularly affected. Sitting in a hunched or twisted position, balancing a laptop on a sofa or the knees will contribute to this type of discomfort.
Mike Robinson, Chief Executive at the British Safety Council, commented: “The Government should be leading by example on health and safety matters but has fallen well short with this advert, which sends the wrong message about worker health and wellbeing~. He urged the Government to adhere to HSE guidance on homeworking and DSE good practice.