call centres

• I work in a call centre. What are the main health hazards?  more...
• I have heard of RSI. What is it?  more...
• What are the symptoms of RSI?  more...
• What causes RSI?  more...
• I think I am suffering from RSI. What should I do?  more...
• What should my employer do to prevent RSI?  more...
• How should I adjust my workstation?  more...
• Am I entitled to a free eye test?  more...
• Is my hearing likely to suffer in a call centre?  more...
• What is 'acoustic shock'?  more...
• What is tinnitus?  more...
• How can my employer prevent acoustic shock and hearing damage?  more...
• Can I get ear infections from my headset?  more...
• I suffer from ear waxing. Is it caused by the headset?  more...
• What can I do about ear wax?  more...
• What can I do about angry and abusive calls?  more...
• What if my job is making me feel stressed out?  more...
• What should my employer do about stress?  more...
• I often suffer from a sore throat or cough. Why?  more...
• I am pregnant. What are the risks of working with a computer?  more...

further information

Information on working with display screen equipment (DSEs) or Visual Display Units (VDUs) from the Health and Safety Executive. Also available is the local authority circular Advice on call centre working practices, available online or from HSE, tel: 08701 545500, reference LAC 94/2, free. hse.gov.uk/msd/dse

The RSI Association publishes a regular newsletter, and can put you in contact with local RSI groups, tel: 020 7266 2000. rsi-uk.org.uk

The TUC has more information on RSI in the health and safety section of its main website.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s/

Hazards magazine has resources on strain injuries. hazards.org/strains/

Unite has a guide to Health and safety in call centres, available in the health and safety resources section. unitetheunion.com

Telephone Helplines Association guidelines for good practice Tel: 020 7248 3388 helplines.org.uk

Holding the Line: UNISON's guide to making call centres a better place to work is available from the UNISON health and safety unit, tel: 020 7388 2366 or in the resources section of the website. unison.org.uk

Books

RSI: A trade unionists' guide (2000), price £3.15, Labour Research Department, tel: 020 7928 0621. lrd.org.uk

VDUs: An easy guide to the Regulations and Display screen equipment work: Guidance on Regulations, available from Health and Safety Executive (HSE) Books, tel: 01787 881165.