The risk of low relative humidity is high in call centres.  The greatest risk is from the large number of computers, which, as already stated, can be generating heat 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and this can dry the air to unacceptable levels.  Low relative humidity can lead to dehydration which, in turn, can contribute to sore eyes, voice loss and headaches.  Skin rashes may also appear.  Unlike other physical stressors such as noise or temperature, people do not generally appreciate the impact of relative humidity on physical health and comfort so tend not to ascribe problems that they are experiencing to relative humidity levels.

Guidance: Relative humidity for an office should be between 40% and 70% with the lower end being the most comfortable in warmer offices.  Employees should be provided with information on the risks of low relative humidity and their potential effects on physical and mental well-being and how to reduce these risks.

User Comments: A small number of comments were passed about humidity and how dry the atmosphere was in the call centre. 

Good practice

• Tea and coffee are diuretics so can exacerbate dehydration. Encourage call handlers to drink plenty of water or caffeine-free soft drinks instead.
• Position a sufficient number of cold water fountains throughout the call centre so water is available near workstations.  (HSE)