The nine dimensions of health: Physical Work Environment
June 3, 2024 – Defence Stories
This article is part of an ongoing series that explores the nine dimensions of health, how they interact and influence our ability to balance life’s demands, and the resources available to help you feel healthy, resilient, and empowered. The previous article discussed what the nine dimensions are and why they matter in the workplace.
The nine dimensions of health (as highlighted in the Defence Team Total Health and Wellness Strategy) are interconnected elements that, together, contribute to overall health and well-being.
Physical work environment
The physical work environment can have a large impact on work performance and well-being in the workplace.
Let’s talk about some of the key elements of the physical work environment that can affect well-being.
Air quality and temperature
Air quality and temperature can influence overall health. A well-ventilated and fragrance-free workspace is recommended for promoting good health in the workplace. The ideal temperature within an office should rest between 20-26°C, according to the Occupational Health and Safety Directive.
Ergonomics
Maintaining good ergonomic health is an essential part of maintaining physical health and reduces the risk of workplace injuries, such as repetitive strains and bad posture.
Lighting
Well-lit work environments, free of excessive shadows and glare, can help prevent headaches and eye fatigue.
Get to know your workplace!
Accessing resources like an on-site gym or biking/running paths can offer plenty of benefits, including increased productivity, job satisfaction and morale, as well as reduced stress and absenteeism.
It is also important to be mindful of safety elements in the workplace such as the nearest emergency exits, first aid kit locations, and the emergency and evacuation procedures in the workplace. Reporting all incidents and injuries is another way to ensure that the workplace is kept safe.
What resources are available?
Defence Team members have access to services that help ensure the physical work environment is healthy and accessible.
- Defence General Safety Services and Information References (accessible only on the National Defence network) provides information on standards, protocols, and other health and safety information, policies, and directives.
- For more information on Defence General Safety within your region, please reach out to your L1 Health and Safety Advisor or Accommodations Manager.
- For information on a variety of occupational health and safety services, programs, and resources available, please contact OHSSecretariatSST@forces.gc.ca
- Ergonomic assessments are available for all Defence Team members. To learn more about how to request an assessment, please refer to the Directorate of General Safety’s Office Ergonomics page (accessible only on the National Defence network).
- Reach out to the National Service Call Centre to submit requests for property maintenance:
- For non-urgent matters: send an E-Request (accessible on the Government of Canada network only)
- For emergencies: call 1-800-463-1850 (toll-free)
Additional Resources
- Injury prevention and active living
- A DND/CF Guide to Office Ergonomics - [PDF-724KB] (accessible only on the National Defence network)
- Quick reference to adjusting your workstation - [PDF-164KB] (accessible only on the National Defence network)
- General Safety Training - [PDF-769KB] (accessible only on the National Defence network)
- So Now You Work From Home - [PDF-1.01MB] (accessible only on the National Defence network)
- Daily Stretching Exercises - [PDF-1.3MB] (accessible only on the National Defence network)