BHT and Covid-19 article

TEXT: ELLEN MARGRETHE PIHL KONSTAD

I had the pleasure to talk to our company doctor Hilde Heiro (on Teams) over a cup of tea on here impressions on how DNV GL has handled the ongoing Covid-19 situation. As an HSE/BHT doctor she works with several companies and I was curious on here impression on how DNV GL has handled the ongoing crisis so far.

Hilde Heiro

Married and 2 children, age 4 ½ and 7 ½.

Background from University of Oslo (UiO) and are currently specialising in occupational medicine. Works for our HSE/BHT provider StaminaHelse.

“I am in general impressed on how DNV GL has handled this crisis.”

© iStock

crises team discussing the possibility of a major crises and how to handle it on a national level.

“DNC GL was the first company contacting me with questions regarding Covid19.” Hilde emphasise the advantage we had in having an already established well-functioning crises team. It is a strength, the team’s ability to involving both internal but also external expertise. Hilde served as a medical expert into the team, assisting them with medical recommendations. In the beginning of the pandemic the recommendations shifted on a short notice. Hilde was a point of contact on infection control. She also was on top of the information from FHI and hence able to assist the team in the chaotic early stage of the pandemic in Norway.

“DNV GL was quick to identifying who had to stay at the office in order to continue working, while the rest is working from home, implementing measures to miniate the risk for those who had to continue working at the office.” BHT also experienced a growing number of employees contacting them in the beginning of the crises seeking advice.

“The easy access employees have to BHT is a great advantage in situations like this, and is a big strength for DNV GL” She highlights the good cooperation between DNV GL and BHT, resulting in good knowledge of each other. This has made the cooperation during this crisis easy.

“In general – I must say that DNV GL so far has handled the crises in a very good way.”

During the last few weeks all of DNV GL Norway has har det opportunity to meet Christian Eidem. He is our HSE/ BHT physiotherapist and has been leading out twice a week bend and stretch sessions on Team.

Christian Eidem

Married and have 2 children, age 9 and 11.

Background as chiropractor from the University of Stockholm with additional training such as ergonomics, acupuncture and trigger point therapy.

“The challenge in this situation is that the ones who did not get a lot of activity prior to the pandemic has become even less active during it.”

Having to use your kitchen table and chair as an office is not ideal. Your back is not getting the support it needs, the heights are wrong, and it may be difficult wary positions. In short, you are missing all the elementary qualities in you had in a good workstation at the office.

Many of you will experience increased pains in back, neck and arms due to this.

Christians 3 tips to counter the physical challenges with home offices: • Take regularly brakes during the workday • Try to get at least a 20 min walk inn every day • Take part in the “Stretch and Bend” lunch session every Tuesday and Thursday

Take small active breaks Whether your job involves sitting down a lot or manual labour, small active breaks are good for your body.

You don’t have to do all the exercises at once – vary and combine with a couple of quick steps to a colleague, the toilet or the coffee machine.

SHOULDER ROTATION Roll both shoulders at the same time in large circular motion with the arms by your side.

BACK STRETCH Stretch your back as shown in the picture and stay in that position for 3 seconds.

STRETCHING THE UPPER BODY Place your hands over your head and bend to one side. Hold that position for 3 seconds and switch sides.

SQUAT Place legs at a hips distance apart. Squat as low as you can and spring up from the heels. Repeat 10 times.

STRETCH THE FRONT SIDE OF THE THIGH Hold an ankle placing the heel against your backside. Straighten your lower back so you feel your front thigh stretching. Hold the position for 3 deep breaths and switch legs.

SNOW ANGELS Stand against a wall with your back, elbows and forearms touching the wall. Raise your arms over your head, lower them slowly. Repeat 8-10 times.

STRETCHING CHEST AND ARM Place an outstretched hand on a wall, door frame or similar at shoulder height. Move your upper forward and sideways in one motion.

STRETCHING UPPER SIDE HAND AND UNDER ARM Stretch out your arm; bend the wrist with fingers facing the floor. Apply some pressure with the other hand.

STRETCHING NECK AND SHOULDER Place your hands behind your back, lower your shoulders, and tilt your head towards one of your shoulders. Extend the stretch by pulling your arm. Hold for 30 seconds and change sides.