Muscular and skeletal ailments make up the major part of absence due to illness in Norway, and also in Telenor. Adaptation of ergonomic conditions in the work place is therefore one of Telenor's most important initiatives involving the working environment. Adapting work places ergonomically for the approximately 16 000 Telenor employees who mainly work at computer terminals represents a major challenge. Each employee must obtain sufficient knowledge of the connection between correct use of the body, adjustment of the display, work table and chair, and correct positioning of the display in relation to the employee.
Surveying of ergonomic conditions is included as an important element of the continual monitoring of HSE[!] conditions in Telenor. Local HSE "rounds", audits and technical guidance by Telenor Department of Health shall keep the frequency of muscular and skeletal problems at the lowest possible level.
In the course of 2000, Telenor OHS has assessed 3 275 workplaces with an eye to optimal ergonomic adaptation. Since assessments of ergonomic adaptation are also included as an element of HSE audits and "rounds", the number of work places assessed will be even greater.
Ergonomic adaptation also includes employees' need for VDU glasses. Sight tests have been carried out on 1 956 persons to assess such requirements in 2000.
