 |
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) - is probably a term you have heard before. But if you spend most of your day, seated at a desk, working at a computer, you need to understand how it might affect you - what the symptoms are and what preventive measures you can take. |
Facts & Figures
The following statistics were released in September 2005 demonstrate the growing worry regarding RSI:
- Over 448,000 British workers now suffer from RSI - a jump of 52,000 since 2001/02 - with rates in the North East soaring ahead of other regions
- In 2003/2004, health and social workers replaced builders as the workforce most affected by RSI
- 4.7 million working days in Great Britain (full-time equivalent) were lost due to RSI in 2003/04 Of those afflicted, each person took an average of 18.3 days off in that time
- It has been estimated that the cost to UK industry from RSI is likely to be up to £20 billion annually
- Every day, six people in the UK leave their jobs due to an RSI condition
- 1 in 50 of all workers in the UK have reported an RSI condition
- RSI is preventable and treatable, for your health and safety, it is absolutely vital that the early warning signs are not ignored! Even just a quick workplace assessment can help you to identify problems and take appropriate action to rectify them. Click here to assess your workstation now and help protect yourself and your business.
Symptoms and causes
Do you think you might be suffering from RSI? If so, here are a few common symptoms to help you determine if it's time to see your GP, occupational therapist or physiotherapist:
- aches
- pain
- swelling
- numbness
- tingling
- weakness
- cramps
RSI is often caused by a combination of a number of factors, including:
- overuse and repetition,
- awkward or static posture,
- insufficient recovery time,
- a lack of RSI preventative products
The important thing to remember is that RSI is preventable and treatable, here at UK Office Direct we stock a full range of ergonomic office products which are designed to prevent the symptoms of repetitive strain injury (RSI) and provide you with an overall more comfortable working environment.
Select from our range of ergonomic office products below: