Phones and Headsets.
Above: Using the phone cradled in the neck. A headset is a better alternative.
Introduction.
Above: Stretching for the phone, and trying to write, type and talk at the same time.
Workstation Regulations require employers to have a ‘duty of care’ for employees. Look around the office and check how many people are cradling their phone in the crook of their neck to free up their hands. It looks uncomfortable, isn’t healthy and can easily be avoided.
Top tips.
- The telephone base should be placed within easy reach.
- Holding the receiver between ear and neck should be avoided.
- Consider a hands free option for anyone who is required to operate the DSE and telephone simultaneously.
Position.
Above: Stretching for the phone or any other device on your desk can cause discomfort over time.
- Different users will have different natural preferences.
- To avoid the cable straddling the keyboard, move the phone base to the side of the keyboard the user uses to pick up the phone.
- If the cabling is too short, provide a phone extension cable.
- Place the phone to avoid unnecessary or awkward stretching.
- If there is insufficient space to move the base unit closer consider a telescopic arm to raise the base unit off the desk. This clamps to the desk and can be moved aside when not in use.
Hands-free options.
Above: Cradling the phone may cause muscle pain over time.
- Single earpiece headset (monaural) requires a telephone jack plug and allows the user to hear sounds around them.
- Twin earpiece headset (binaural) minimises background noise.
- Amplifier converts a phone without a jack plug for a headset. The incoming conversation is audible.
- Loudspeaker phone allows hands-free phone use, but both incoming/outgoing conversations are audible.
- Headsets may loop round the ear or be held in place with a head band. Users wearing glasses will find some options uncomfortable, so always consult the user for their preference.
- Shared use headsets can be considered if irregular long calls, such as teleconferences, are likely to occur.
Above: Using a headset can help reduce discomfort when using a telephone at the workstation.