Business Essentials: Repetitive strain injury: 'How do we combat the crisis that time forgot?'

RSI may not be news any more but cases are on the rise - as one small, computer-intensive firm can testify

Rewind a decade and repetitive strain injury (RSI) was the biggest health-scare story around in British offices. Workers up and down the country were becoming permanently disabled as a result of overusing their keyboards, it was reported. But 10 years on the story appears to have vanished from the media's radar. So has the problem vanished too?

Far from it. The latest official figures show that the number of British workers suffering from RSI has reached 448,000 - up by 52,000 in just one year. Tonic, a digital design agency in London, is among the growing number of companies that are getting worried.

"Twelve of our 50 staff have RSI," says Tonic's commercial director, Mark Porter. "So we'd like to know what measures we can take to help them, and also to prevent it occurring among other members of staff."

There are three divisions within Tonic, he explains: the account handlers, the designers and the techies.

"All of them are on their computers most of the time, so the risk of RSI is major."

The condition is caused by the overuse of the hands, wrists, arms or shoulders on a repeated basis. Muscles become injured and inflamed and, if left untreated, the condition can be permanently disabling.

Nor does it just strike older workers who have been tapping away at their keyboards for years. "The average age of our staff is 28," says Mr Porter, "and I can think of one 24-year-old lady who has such bad hands, she has to wear gloves some of the time."

Tonic employs a health and safety expert, but the company believes it needs to be more exhaustive in combating the problem, particularly as the onset of RSI can be hard to detect. The initial symptoms are usually very mild: aching hands or a slight sensation of pins and needles.

"[The expert] has tried to come up with a number of solutions, but we still think we should be doing more," says Mr Porter. "After some investigation, we became quite impressed with a company called Wacom, which produces a pad and pen that can be used instead of a mouse. However, it's not really anything more than a stopgap. Ultimately, we want to find a longer-term solution."

Tonic has also tried persuading its staff to get away from their computers whenever they can. "We have balconies on either side of the building, where we encourage people to go during their breaks. And this is a pretty free office, with people taking breaks when they see fit.

"But we are finding that they simply bring a cup of tea or sandwich back to their desks and go on to MSN Messenger or log on to their Hotmail accounts, so the problem remains."

Ergonomic chairs have also been introduced to fight RSI. "But surely we could be doing more," insists Mr Porter. "We are particularly worried that if people are suffering in this way in their twenties, what will they be like by the time they reach their forties?"

www.tonic.co.uk

WHAT THE EXPERTS SAY

Hugh Robertson, Senior Officer on Health and Safety Policy, The TUC

"There is no magic solution. Before you decide how to prevent further cases of RSI, you have to find out what is causing it. And it may be different in each case.

"You must, as required by law, analyse each job. You also have to do an assessment of each display-screen user, including seating, positioning and keyboard. See how they comply with standard good practice.

"Also, find out if people are actually doing their job the way you think they are. Do they know how to adjust their seats? Are they taking enough breaks? Are they typing with just two fingers?

"Flashy gimmicks don't always work, and can make things worse. Sometimes the answer is simple - new keyboards, breaks, training, job rotation - but sometimes it has to be tailored to an individual. The important thing is to make sure staff are involved in the solution."

Claire Raistrick, Workplace Coach, Matrick Ergonomics

"Tonic is right to be worried that so many of its staff have RSI. As well as upper-limb disorders, stress-related and visual problems may occur. Action is essential before costs include personal injury claims.

"It should establish precisely how the existing workplace design might cause problems, and call on expert ergonomics support and staff input to come up with solutions. It is essential that potential strategies, such as not using a mouse, are matched with safe working practices.

"A fresh look at Tonic's culture may be revealing, and staff should be trained to make safe and intelligent choices on how they work. These could include adjusting the chair to support the back; positioning equipment to reduce tension and allow for safe wrist postures; locating and angling the screen to protect the eyes and neck; and minimising stress and physical injury through regular changes of activity."

Jain Holmes, Occupational Therapist, MJH-Consultancy

"The solution does not lie in equipment alone, but requires holistic approaches to address posture and practices at work and at home.

"I would recommend that Tonic instructs an occupational therapist, who will understand the appropriate rehabilitation for RSI. He or she would also address the problems relevant to the home and office environment, as well as psychosocial issues. Advice to the employer on job rotation, task modifications and stress should be part of this package, too.

"If breaks are not being taken seriously then the directors should develop a culture of healthy working. A regular monitoring programme could allow employees to report when they are experiencing symptoms. Follow this up with specialist advice and training."