An Extract from The Metro Friday, March 3 2017 (page 41) Re. RSI
(Comment – Karen Pritchard – Meriel alerted me to this article in the Metro – I must admit I hadn’t realise RSI caused a tingling and stiffness in your back and shoulders as well as arms, wrists and fingers… just shows how important it is to ask for a co-worker for longer bookings – anyway, we thought the members might be interested)
Strain over for desk warriors
Send RSI packing with Leon Poultney
Up to half a million workers in the UK suffer from RSI, according to the Health and Safety Executive – enduring aches, stiffness, tingling or cramp in the back, arms and shoulders. Repetitive strain injuries are caused by repeated movements that place tendons under stress and are most associated with computer work. Tuesday was RSI Awareness Day, held to highlight the risks and pressure governments into drawing up regulation to protect employees from its effects.
(the article then went on to list office gadgets that can help to prevent it and improve overall health – this was mostly relevant for office based employees, but I thought some of the ‘How to Tackle RSI tips were more relevant to us as note-takers)
Find a neutral position for your hands. Don’t bend wrists towards your little fingers, thumbs or back towards you.
- Ensure the keyboard lies flat on the desk or table to encourage a neutral typing position and consider a compact keyboard to reduce the stretch on your fingers.
- Go mouse-less. Your arm should rest on a desk, so consider a pen or vertical type mouse.
- The NHS suggests you should take short, regular breaks and move around the office as often as possible.If RSI is already present, try the Painmaster Patch (£24.50) which uses low-current electricity to stimulate the body’s own natural healing processes.
07.03.17 KP