Teleworking, impacts on the health of human talent in times of pandemic

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated teleworking. It is imperative to know the occupational risks associated with teleworking, for physical spaces, furniture and accessories that were incorporated into the work. This generates a psychosocial and physical risk that can end up affecting the health of the worker.

Objective: To know the occupational risks implied by teleworking and the impacts caused on the worker's health.

Methods: theoretical-descriptive research of a documentary type. A literature review related to the occupational risks involved in the development of telework was made.

Results: the most common risks found: musculoskeletal disorders: back pain in the spine, lumbar, shoulders, forearm and fingers; associated with computer furniture and accessories. Neck and upper extremity disorders, associated with poor posture, prolonged static postures, repetitive movements. Visual disturbances: burning, blurred vision, dry eye, red eye, associated with time in front of the screen and poor lighting. Psychosocial disorder due to work overload, work-family conflict, social isolation; associated with the organization of time, prolonged use of ICT and lack of exclusive spaces for teleworking.

Conclusions: There are various disorders generated by teleworking. Disorders are due to spaces, furniture, physical conditions, prolonged use of ICT. Mental disorders are caused by overload, long periods of work and the family-work relationship. To avoid occupational hazards, adequate furniture and accessories must be guaranteed with the physical characteristics of the worker, an exclusive space with physical conditions to have a comfortable work environment.