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The Blackwell Encyclopedic Dictionary of Organizational Behavior

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TONY KEENAN<br />

Working Conditions<br />

<strong>The</strong> study <strong>of</strong> the effects <strong>of</strong> working conditions is an area <strong>of</strong> both ERGONOMICS and the health and<br />

SAFETY pr<strong>of</strong>essions. <strong>The</strong> way in which conditions can affect the physical and psychological wellbeing<br />

<strong>of</strong> workers has been a long-standing concern. Similarly, the relationship between conditions and<br />

work efficiency, in terms <strong>of</strong> PRODUCTIVITY and ERRORS, has been researched for some time. It is<br />

also clear that attitudes and JOB SATISFACTION can be influenced by conditions in the work context.<br />

<strong>The</strong> term working conditions can be taken to include; the ambient environment in the workplace (e.g.,<br />

temperature, noise), the physical design <strong>of</strong> the workplace and the working positions and postures that<br />

have to be adopted (e.g., seating, keyboard positions), and the pattern <strong>of</strong> work/rest cycles required (e.g.,<br />

shift systems, rest breaks).<br />

A number <strong>of</strong> aspects <strong>of</strong> the ambient environment have been studied. <strong>The</strong> harmful effects <strong>of</strong> substances<br />

present in raw materials, in the work environment, or in products, has been the subject <strong>of</strong> toxicology<br />

research. <strong>The</strong>se studies have led to the strict imposition <strong>of</strong> controls and the need for the protection <strong>of</strong><br />

workers. <strong>The</strong> once benign <strong>of</strong>fice environment has also come under scrutiny following concern over sickbuilding<br />

syndrome (apparently resulting from recycled air in sealed <strong>of</strong>fice buildings) and the seemingly<br />

unfounded fears over radiation emissions from computer terminals. Noise in the workplace has strict<br />

legal limits in most developed countries in order to minimize hearing damage. <strong>The</strong> thermal environment<br />

has also been studied, one example would be the extreme conditions where protective clothing, to heat<br />

or to cool individuals, may be needed. <strong>The</strong> contrast between preferred and acceptable levels <strong>of</strong> room<br />

temperature is another example, here energy conservation is a key factor. Lighting<br />

file:///C|/downloadnetlibrary/<strong>Blackwell</strong>%20Ency/nlReader.dll@BookID=48684&FileName=Page_610.html (2 <strong>of</strong> 2) [2008-04-01 01:34:17]

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