Safety and health concerns about using iPods in the workplace have resulted in a ban on their use at Marshall Aerospace. Although no mishaps have occurred, the company says that listening to music leads to fall in the levels of concentration and therefore may result in dangers for the workers.
A company representative said that more than middle-aged employees, it was the younger employees who used iPods at work. Marshall Aerospace being a precision engineering company that deals with a lot of heavy vehicle traffic claims that it is important for their 1500 odd employees to be attentive at work, given the daily hazards they have to face. However, such bans are not being seen only in dangerous workplaces, as some places with low risk factor also have similar policies. NEBOSH courses are designed to give managers and supervisors all they need to know to help handle health and safety in their teams; click on NEBOSH General for training information.
In one of the leading Universities in the UK, the policy on barring the use of headphones is based on the lack of awareness amongst its students and staff regarding workplace safety and the dangers around them. Their concern being that, in case of mishap, the staff or students would not be able to hear any verbal warnings over and above the music they are listening to on the headphones.
These bans are despite the fact that research conducted last year at the Cumbria University shows an increase in the productivity of workers who listen to music while working and reveals that it increases their productivity. In addition, the research shows that such employees are more satisfied and happy at work.
Sorry, the comment form is closed at this time.