Does your office make you sick?

Possible solutions to SBS

1. Persuade the office manager to install an ioniser in your office, which may help combat the ‘heaviness’ in the air.
   
   
2. Add moisture to the air with some leafy potted plants (They also look good.).
   
   
3. Don’t put up with flickering fluorescent lights: ask for a replacement bulb.
   
   
4. Change the settings on your PC if they irritate you. Try turning the brightness controls as low as possible, and adjust the position of the terminal and the lighting.
   
   
5. Keep your workspace clean. Your workmates may well stare as you get out your duster and cleaning fluid, but studies have shown that dust clouds and allergens can contribute to SBS.
   
   
6. Take frequent breaks during your day, and get up and move around at regular intervals.
   
   
7. Make a point of leaving the building rather than working through lunch. If you’re really busy, take at least a 15-minute break.
   
   
8. If possible, don’t plunge straight into the crowds or on to public transport after work. Walk as far as possible, using side streets rather than the main road, if this is safe.
   
   
9. If all else fails, talk to your office manager. Specialist companies that deal with SBS can be called in.

Going for a job interview?

Check out the décor as well as the job. If the office is open plan with more than ten workstations, sealed windows and no separately ventilated spaces for smoking and photocopying, it could be a ‘sick’ building.

For more information, call the BRE (Building Research Establishment) on 01923 664 302 or visit www.bre.co.uk

© 2000 Executive Woman

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