SURVEY HIGHLIGHTS IGNORANCE OF RSI IN THE WORKPLACE

Ninety per cent of staff receive no information or training about Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), and many are unaware of the dangers, according to a survey from Pertemps, the country's leading independent recruitment agency.

Although RSI affects approximately 400,000 people in the UK, a quarter of the office workers surveyed knew nothing about the causes or treatment of the problem, which covers a number of musculoskeletal conditions.

It is caused by a variety of factors including repetition of tasks, poor posture and awkward movements, badly designed tools or workstations and insufficient breaks. Symptoms include pins and needles, restriction of movement and numbness, which can lead to severe and long term pain.

Almost half (47 per cent) of workers surveyed complained of minor aches and pains in their hands as a result of using their computers and 10 per cent said they had suffered substantial pain. Twenty five per cent had suffered stiffness in their hands due to computer work, while a tingling sensation was a problem for 20 per cent and 15 per cent suffered cramps.

Eleven per cent had knowingly suffered from RSI and of this figure 33 per cent had endured the problem for more than two years. Sixty seven per cent of sufferers said RSI had affected their work with more than a quarter claiming they worked at a slower pace. Fifty per cent said their symptoms were a distraction.

Sixteen per cent of sufferers had taken time off work due to RSI and 66 per cent had sought treatment. The majority saw a physiotherapist, while 25 per cent went to their GP.

Sixty eight per cent of people surveyed who had not developed RSI were not concerned about the risks. Many of the respondents did not take preventative measures:

28 per cent did not bother to alter the height or tilt of their chair to ensure they were sitting correctly.

30 per cent did not alter the height of their computer screen to ensure the top was at eye level.

11 per cent did not clear space under their desk even if it forced them to sit in an awkward position.

Twenty two per cent said the lighting in their office was poor and 36 per cent claimed this caused them to adopt an awkward position in order to see properly.

Asked about breaks, more than a fifth took a break from their computer screen only at lunchtime, while 26 per cent took a rest period every other hour. Asked how long they took for lunch, only 10 per cent took more than 30 minutes and a further 10 per cent claimed they did not take a break at all.

Lack of time was the main reason cited by people who did not take proper breaks, while 15 per cent said they often forgot because they got caught up in their work. Nearly 50 per cent felt guilty about leaving their desks for a break and 71 per cent regularly ate lunch at their desks

Andrew Chadwick, director of the RSI Association, said: "RSI is an umbrella-term which covers a number of specific medical conditions, such as tendinitis, tenosynovitis and tennis elbow, as well as the more difficult to define 'diffuse-RSI' or 'non-specific pain syndrome'. All of these result from a restriction of blood flow caused by inflammation and damage to soft tissues such as tendons, muscles and ligaments.

"If you experience pain don't ignore it, visit your GP immediately and get a full, accurate diagnosis as soon as possible. As many GPs are not trained in this area, you may be referred to a specialist.

"Avoid doing anything that may aggravate the problem, this can include household chores such as vacuuming and ironing. Follow an appropriate course of treatment. This will differ for each person but can range from physiotherapy to osteopathy and acupuncture to massage. Take regular, gentle exercise to stimulate blood flow. Avoid smoking, excess caffeine and alcohol. Lastly do not return to full time work too soon, build up your hours slowly with a period of rehabilitation."

Tim Watts, chairman of Pertemps, said: "The number of companies failing to inform staff about the dangers of RSI in the workplace is a cause for concern. Employees who work in badly designed offices or fail to take sufficient breaks from repetitive tasks are at risk of developing RSI, which is a painful and disabling condition.

"A few simple changes to workstations and working practices can make all the difference. It is essential that both staff and companies do all they can to minimise the risks.

"Pertemps takes the dangers of RSI seriously. Following the results of this survey, we are intending to issue a leaflet on health and safety issues, including RSI, to our temps and permanent staff later this year."

Pertemps suggests the following tips for office staff on how to help prevent RSI:

Breaks and stretching: Short breaks every 15 - 20 minutes are more effective than longer breaks taken less frequently. Gently rotate your shoulders and wrists, and stretch your arms and fingers regularly to prevent stiffness.

Computer screens: Your monitor should be directly in front of you to stop your body twisting. It should be tiltable in all directions with the top of the screen at eye level. The characters should be clear, well defined and well spaced. The screen should be free from glare and reflection as well as clean.

Keyboard: The keyboard should be detachable, adjustable and with easily legible keys. Your wrists should float above the keyboard. Your upper arms should be vertical and your forearms horizontal. To achieve this, you may need to adjust the height of your chair. There should also be a good space between the keyboard and the edge of your desk.

Desk or working surface: Your desk should be at an appropriate height - 27in to 29in off the floor is advised. There should be sufficient legroom under the desk and there should be no obstacles.

Chair: The height and back of your chair should be adjustable - make sure it fits your body, especially the lower back. When adjusted it should remain firm and it should not put pressure on your thighs or the back of your knees.

Space: Your workstation should not be cramped and you should change your sitting position as frequently as is practical.

Lighting: Offices need good lighting. You should not be forced to look directly at windows or bright lights, nor should bright lights be reflected on VDU screens.

Temperature: Do not work in a cold environment. This restricts blood flow and can aggravate problems.