Complaints follow lack of control

Uncomfortable temperature tops the list of workplace complaints received by facilities managers in a survey carried out by Environmental Monitoring Services.

The second most common complaint was draughts - with both of these issues arising far more often in air conditioned buildings than in naturally ventilated premises.

Third in the ranking was uncomfortable lighting. Like temperature and draughts, this problem was cited more frequently in buildings where occupants do not have much control over workplace conditions.

Over 70% of FMs questioned claimed to use workplace audits to monitor conditions, but surprisingly only just over half rated workplace comfort as a very important factor.

Finding its way on to the complaints list - with unanticipated frequency - was flea bites. Environmental Monitoring Services says, however, this may be a case of mis-diagnosis. Small red marks on the skin are more likely to be caused by static electricity, notes the company.

Elliott Chase