Best Niamh Pentony Podcasts (2024)

1
Reducing the Negative Impact of Virtual Meetings 26:06

8h ago26:06

26:06

There were certainly positives to using video for meetings when working from home. It offered connection between employees working from home and increased employee engagement. It helped new starters become familiar with their colleagues in the absence of the office. Even now, with the return to the office and hybrid working, virtual meetings remain…

1
Have a Happy, and Ergonomic, Summer Holiday!! 19:19

1M ago19:19

19:19

Let’s be honest, while ergonomics might be in the back of your mind while you are working, it is most likely pushed way further back when you are on holidays! We are not long back from our own summer holiday with the kids. While we were away, in between the rollercoasters and ice-cream, I started thinking about all the little things I was doing to …

1
Considerations if Thinking of Changing to a Sit Stand Workstation 22:19

4M ago22:19

22:19

As the world of work has become more digital, I am finding that computer based workers are spending more and more time seated at their workstation than ever before. In fact, office based workers are considered one of the most sedentary populations, spending 73% of the work day and up to 66% of their waking hours seated. (Edwardson et al, 2002) Incr…

1
Managing DSE Associated Risks in Pregnant Users 28:21

5M ago28:21

28:21

A refresh of Episode 11 Pregnancy presents a unique health and safety challenge in the workplace in that the employer is not only concerned about the welfare of the employee, but also their developing child. The impact of pregnancy on any employee is different and so it can be difficult to predict the effects pregnancy may have on an employee’s abi…

1
Workplace Health Considerations for Women 15:25

6M ago15:25

15:25

Are you aware that women in the workplace often face unique challenges when it comes to their health and well-being? It’s true! According to EU-OSHA (2023), women report less workplace accidents, but report higher levels of work related health issues. From musculoskeletal issues to stress, there are factors that put women at a higher risk compared …

1
Wrist Rests – Ergo Friend or Foe!? 16:59

7M ago16:59

16:59

Most of us will be familiar with the mouse pads that are fitted with foam or gel rests at the base and with the long foam or gel rests that are positioned along the bottom of the keyboard. These are marketed as ergonomic products designed to ensure appropriate hand position to reduce aches and strains when using the mouse / keyboard. But are they a…

1
Smart Use of Your Smartphone 23:51

7M ago23:51

23:51

In the fast-paced world we live in, smartphones have become an integral part of our daily lives. As per Statista, there will be over 4 billion smartphone users in 2024, increasing to over 6 billion in 2029. From staying connected to using social media to managing work tasks on the go, our reliance on these devices is undeniable. However, the conven…

1
Promoting Safe Ergonomic Practices in the Laboratory 17:37

8M ago17:37

17:37

Laboratory work is an essential part of scientific research and the pharmaceutical industry. Laboratory based roles can often involve high levels of static postures, repetitive movements, adverse postures, high focus tasks, fine precision movements, manual handling and working with chemicals. In this episode, I will explore key areas of concern and…

1
Let Go of the Laptop in 2024 29:13

8M ago29:13

29:13

For many of us, how we work has changed dramatically since March 2020 and while some of it has been positive, in terms of flexibility and connectivity, the enduring negative that I still encounter on a regular basis is our attachment to our laptops. This is evident, both at office and home workstations, with many DSE based employees still using the…

1
Enhancing Retail Success through Ergonomics 26:19

1y ago26:19

26:19

In the bustling world of retail, where efficiency, customer satisfaction, and employee well-being are paramount, the concept of ergonomic design plays a pivotal role. From optimizing employee performance to enhancing customer experience, retail ergonomics has the power to reshape the industry landscape. The retail industry is Ireland’s largest sect…

1
What Came First, The Stress or the Pain!? 23:07

1y ago23:07

23:07

Whether it’s the pressures of work, relationships, or other life challenges, stress and pain are common experiences for many people and can be difficult to manage at the best of times. If you add an acute, cumulative or chronic injury into the mix, it becomes even more difficult. But have you ever wondered which one comes first? Does excessive stre…

1
Workplace Health and Safety for the Aging Workforce 21:03

1y ago21:03

21:03

The working population is aging and employers are increasingly faced with the challenge of providing a safe and healthy work environment for employees of all ages. People are working longer for a number of reasons, including financial reasons delaying retirement, better health as they age, talent shortages and a sense of purpose and enjoyment of th…

1
Why Improving Your Typing Technique Could Be Key To Reducing Musculoskeletal Discomfort 15:13

1y ago15:13

15:13

Does this sound familiar? You have a good DSE workstation et up, great seating and a nice keyboard. You have completed a DSE workstation risk assessment and everything appears to be as it should, but you are still getting stiffness and tension in your neck and shoulders? Or maybe tension and discomfort in the wrist and hands? It is likely that you …

1
Managing a Successful Hot Desking Workplace 23:17

1+ y ago23:17

23:17

Hot desking is not a new phenomenon but with many employers continuing the hybrid work model into 2023, it has become a popular way to manage the reduced numbers of employees in the office. Hot desking, or desk hoteling, is an open plan office concept where the number of desks is lower than the total number of employees. Employees are not assigned …

1
Active Seating - A Better Alternative to the Office Chair? 16:01

1+ y ago16:01

16:01

When you think of an office chair, most people think of the standard swivel chair and rightly so as this is the most common chair that we see being used in offices and home workstations. As per the Safety, Health and Welfare at Work (General Application) Regulations 2007, Chapter 5 of Part 2: Display Screen Equipment, there is a minimum standard fo…

1
Workplace Considerations for Employees with Epilepsy 11:13

1+ y ago11:13

11:13

Epilepsy is the term for a group of neurological conditions characterised by the occurrence of seizures, which are sudden bursts of electrical activity in the brain. These seizures can range in severity from a person being alert, staring off to the distance, to loss of consciousness and uncontrollable spasms. It is reported that 1 in 5 people will …

1
Your New Year Home Workstation Audit! 17:20

1+ y ago17:20

17:20

As we roll into 2023 with the new year, new me attitude, it is the perfect time to take stock of your home workstation to ensure it is functional, suited to you and your tasks and fit for purpose. The last episode outlined the importance of posture and what the ideal DSE workstation posture is. In this episode, I have compiled a guide to ensuring y…

1
Back to Basics - The Ideal DSE Posture To Reduce Discomfort 25:21

1+ y ago25:21

25:21

During DSE workstation assessments, we put a huge emphasis on trying to achieve the optimum DSE workstation posture, but does it really matter? To put it bluntly, yes it does matter, in the short and the long term. Adverse postures, along with prolonged sitting, longer working hours and increased stress levels, can increase the risk of developing h…

1
Reducing The Negative Impact of Video Meetings 15:00

1+ y ago15:00

15:00

The forced move in March 2020 to home-working and the requirement for social distancing saw a huge increase in the use of video conferencing and meeting software. There were certainly positives to using video for meetings when working from home. It offered connection between employees working from home and increased employee engagement. It helped n…

1
Reducing Elbow, Wrist and Hand Discomfort At The Workstation 17:58

1+ y ago17:58

17:58

Work-related elbow, wrist and hand discomfort can occur in any work environment, including sedentary, desk based roles. Since March 2020 and the shift to home working, I have noticed an increase in the prevalence of elbow, wrist and hand discomfort among employees I have carried out DSE assessments with. There are a number of terms that are used to…

1
Ergonomic Advice to Keep Your Christmas Merry & Bright! 14:53

2y ago14:53

14:53

It can be the most wonderful time of the year, but can also be full of hidden hazards that can leave us feeling more woeful than joyful! Want to avoid the ho-ho-holiday aches and pains!? Well, this ergonomic elf has some seasonal tips to avoid common hazards and keep you safe and well this December. The blog for this episode can be found on: https:…

1
Reducing Upper Back, Shoulder and Neck Discomfort At The Workstation 18:18

2y ago18:18

18:18

Work-related upper back, shoulder and neck discomfort are generally observed more in workers with sedentary, desk-based roles. Since March 2020 and the shift to home working, I have noticed an increase in the prevalence of upper back, shoulder and neck discomfort among employees I have carried out DSE assessments with. In this episode, I am going t…

1
Reducing Low Back and Leg Discomfort At The Workstation 26:10

2y ago26:10

26:10

There is no doubt that low back and leg pain is a significant issue for people that work in computer and desk-based jobs. This discomfort may be present at the workstation and can also impact quality of life outside of work. According to the Global Burden of Disease study of 2001, back pain has been reported as one of the leading global causes of y…

1
Optimising Your Home Workstation Lighting 16:43

2y ago16:43

16:43

Computer workstation lighting is always important, but as we move into the winter, with shorter days and cloudy overcast weather, I usually start to see an increase in symptoms of eye strain and queries about appropriate lighting when working from home when conducting home workstation assessments. This episode will cover considerations for home wor…

1
Managing The Transition to Menopause in the Workplace 18:15

2y ago18:15

18:15

Back to the workplace for Episode 24! Menopause is a natural transition in life and the reality is that if you menstruate, it can be assumed that you will go through this transition in your lifetime. Given the evolution of the workforce and push to keep people working longer, a high percentage of employees are going to be working while experiencing…

1
Reducing Musculoskeletal Discomfort When Breastfeeding 22:31

2y ago22:31

22:31

Taking a step away from the workplace for this episode! To celebrate our HSE National Breastfeeding Week (1st – 7th October) I am highlighting the risks associated with breastfeeding that can cause musculoskeletal discomfort and what you can do to stay comfortable when feeding your baby. As a mother of 2 children, both of whom breastfed for just ov…

1
Neurodiversity In The Workplace 34:27

2y ago34:27

34:27

There is a large focus in the workplace, and rightly so, on ensuring that the physical equipment is suitable for the employees using them. When employees report physical issues with the workplace this can be easily measured and the workplace adapted as required based on symptoms and use. However, when it comes to neurodivergent employees, the facto…

1
Reducing Ergonomic Risk Factors When Teaching 22:01

2y ago22:01

22:01

In the last episode, I outlined what we as carer’s should be aware of to ensure healthy ergonomic practices and musculoskeletal development in children and adolescents, but what about the educators? Teaching is a physically and cognitively demanding job. Teacher health and quality of life has been found to be influenced by working conditions, muscu…

1
Encouraging Healthy Ergonomic Practices in Children 30:26

2y ago30:26

30:26

Ergonomics and human factors is all about designing and optimising tasks, environments and equipment to promote musculoskeletal health and comfort. This applies not just to work settings, but also to the play and study environments of young people. As we approach the start of the school year, I feel it is important to highlight the steps we can tak…

1
Are You Suffering From Digital Eye Strain? 32:05

2y ago32:05

32:05

As our work, learning and leisure time becomes more digitised, for a lot of us our exposure to display screens has likely never been higher. While this has allowed us to work remotely, learn remotely and stay connected, it has also increased the prevalence of and the risk of developing digital eye strain. Digital Eye Strain (DES), also known as Com…

1
Reduce The Risk Of Discomfort When Driving 27:34

2y ago27:34

27:34

Driving, whether we do it for a living or as part of our day to day lives, presents a risk of musculoskeletal discomfort and injury and I am not talking about potential car accidents! The more time we spend in the car, the higher the risk. In this episode, I will outline the risk factors to be considered when driving, the potential musculoskeletal …

1
Picking The Right School Bag & How To Wear It Well! 13:54

2y ago13:54

13:54

It is that time of year again, when shopping for school supplies has begun. The schoolbag, or backpack, is a vital piece of equipment. It will be used to transport supplies at least twice a day, placing loads on the developing spine. Correct schoolbag selection for the user and correct schoolbag use will ensure that you are protecting the musculosk…

1
Heat Wave!! How to Stay Comfortable & Safe Working In The Heat 18:55

2y ago18:55

18:55

It is heatwave time here in Ireland and across Europe, where the workforce is divided between those that are basking and those that are hiding - I'm a hider!! Whether you love a heatwave or dread it, it is important that we all know how to stay comfortable and safe when working. This episode outlines the heat illness we want to avoid and what we ca…

1
Static Postures - The Risks & How to Avoid Them 35:30

2y ago35:30

35:30

When it comes to musculoskeletal discomfort, appropriate postures and equipment in the workplace are crucial to reducing the risk. However, even with the most suitable equipment and neutral supported postures, musculoskeletal discomfort and injury can, and likely will, occur if postures are maintained for too long. In this episode, I will describe …

1
Increased Risk of MSDs Among LGBTQIA+ Workers 20:26

2y ago20:26

20:26

June is celebrated as LGBTQIA+ Pride month in many countries (although my own local Drogheda Pride is taking place over the first weekend of August this year) and the aim is to promote and celebrate dignity, equality and visibility of the LGBTQIA+ community. In this episode, I am going to summarise the findings of reports from the EU Agency for Saf…

1
Setting Up Your Screen To Reduce Discomfort & Fatigue 37:42

2y ago37:42

37:42

Putting the “S” in DSE, your screens are the focal point of your workstation. Given the amount of time spent focusing on the screen, it is so important that they are set up correctly for you, your tasks and your work environment. In this episode, I am going to walk you through ideal monitor positioning and settings to help reduce your risk of muscu…

1
Tech Neck - What Is It and Why Is It An Issue? 30:42

2+ y ago30:42

30:42

Everywhere you go you will see people on their phones. Most will have one thing in common. What is it? No, not the headphones or airpods - they are looking down! Improvements in portable technology have revolutionised how we communicate, work and relax but it can be at a cost. Upper back, neck and shoulder complaints are on the rise and for a lot o…

1
Managing Risk of Workplace Discomfort in Pregnancy 35:24

2+ y ago35:24

35:24

Pregnancy presents a unique health and safety challenge in the workplace. This is due, firstly, to the consideration that must be given to both the pregnant employee and the developing child and secondly, due to the unique and unpredictable nature of each pregnancy. During this podcast episode, I will discuss the following: What are the risks to th…

1
DSE Computer Mouse Devices 39:15

2+ y ago39:15

39:15

What is the best mouse to use at a DSE workstation? The answer is simple. The best mouse is the one that allows you to maintain an ideal upper limb posture, encourages a good mousing technique, reduces static and dynamic muscle loading while catering for your task requirements. Like I said, simple! While most of us are familiar with the standard DS…

1
DSE Keyboards & Typing 35:18

2+ y ago35:18

35:18

What is the best keyboard to use at a DSE workstation? The answer is simple. The best keyboard is the one that allows you to maintain an ideal typing posture, encourages a good typing technique, reduces static and dynamic muscle loading while catering for your task requirements. Like I said, simple! While most of us are familiar with the standard D…

1
Getting The Best Out Of Your Sit Stand Workstation 27:40

2+ y ago27:40

27:40

I have lost count of how many times I have been asked if Sit Stand Workstations live up to the hype or if they are worth the investment. In this episode I talk about the different types of sit stand workstations available and how to make sure you are using it correctly to increase mobility and reduce discomfort. Apologies for the audio quality and …

1
Repetitive Strain Injuries - Reduce Your Risk! 27:08

2+ y ago27:08

27:08

What are RSIs, how to reduce your risk of developing one & what to do if you think you have one! Repetitive Strain Injuries are one of the main causes of preventable workplace discomfort and absenteeism, but many people are not aware that they are at risk of developing one. In this episode, I outline the causes of RSIs, how to spot if you might hav…

1
Sitting Comfortably!? A Guide To Selecting A Good DSE Chair 29:05

2+ y ago29:05

29:05

What features should you be looking for when buying an office chair for use at the DSE workstation? It can be a minefield looking for a good DSE chair for yourself or your employees. So many chairs claim to be ergonomic either are not suitable for use by the most DSE users or do not meet the legal requirements for DSE seating under Irish regulation…

1
My DSE Desirables - Improve Support, Positioning & Mobility 20:39

2+ y ago20:39

20:39

Episode 5 looks at the Top 5 non-essential but definitely desirable pieces of equipment that DSE users should have to help improve support, stability, positioning and mobility while working on the computer.By Niamh Pentony

1
What Are The DSE Workstation Essentials 18:38

2+ y ago18:38

18:38

How do you put together a DSE workstation!? What do you need (apart from the computer!) and how do you know if its right? I have you covered as I outline the 5 basic pieces of kit you need to set up a DSE workstation (Sorry for my voice, I was getting over a rotten cold when I was recording and fighting the urge to cough a lot!!!) For tips on postu…

1
What Is The Ideal DSE Posture? 24:11

2+ y ago24:11

24:11

Episode 3 focuses on how best to position yourself at your computer to reduce the risk of discomfort and injury. I recommend listening to this one at your desk so you can check your positioning as I talk you through it! :)By Niamh Pentony