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15 February 2006

Computer related injuries take hold in the UK



Recent research conducted by ICM on behalf of Home Working Solutions suggests that an astonishing number of computer users are suffering from computer related injuries. Common computer related injuries include eyestrain, headaches, back and neck aches, as well as Upper Limb Disorders such as pain in the wrists, lower arms, elbows and shoulders.

The survey questioned a fully representative UK sample of over 1,000 people about their computer usage. 62% of respondents said that they used a computer either at home, work or elsewhere such as an internet cafe or a library.

Nearly one in two of all computer users have suffered from a computer related injury, but it is the 18 to 24 age group that seem to be suffering the most with 70% or respondents having suffered from one form of injury. This is the first age group that has been using computers throughout their school career, and when this is combined with increasing use of mobiles for texting, games consoles and hand-held applications then perhaps this comes as no surprise.

Key highlights of the survey results were as follows:
  • 62% of respondents used a computer regularly.
  • 48% of all respondents reported having some form of computer related injury.
  • This figure rose to 70% for the 18 to 24 age group and 54% for the 25 to 34 age group.
  • The most common ailment suffered was eyestrain with 27% of computer users suffering.
  • Other key ailments included headaches (22%), backache (20%), pain in the wrist, lower arm, elbow or shoulder (17%), neck ache (16%) and a tingling sensation in the fingers (8%).
Increasing numbers of employers are reporting first jobbers arriving for their first day at work with existing computer related injuries such as RSI.

However, only 59% of those people who use a computer at work had received any training in the safe use of computers from their current employer. Only 46% had received training or advice on setting up their workstations to suit their own personal build and work patterns. This is despite clear guidance in current UK Health & Safety laws that are meant to ensure that all employees should receive this kind of training.

Luke Munro, managing director of Home Working Solutions said:
"These figures are extremely worrying. We are seeing a huge increase in the number of cases of injuries such as RSI, particularly amongst younger computer users, yet there remains an astonishing lack of commitment from some employers to give their employees the necessary training and equipment to do their jobs safely without getting injured.

"Having the right desk and chair while working at the computer is important, but it is widely acknowledged that the best way of avoiding these types of injuries is simply to take regular breaks from your computer. Software packages, such as WorkPace, will monitor your mouse and keyboard use and prompt you to take short breaks when they are most needed.

"An increasing rise in the number of insurance claims related to computer related injuries means that employers in particular cannot afford to ignore this issue any longer. Companies need to understand that it is their legal responsibility to look after staff when it comes to computer use. WorkPace not only helps prevent computer related injuries, but it also goes a long way towards showing that an organisation is taking its responsibilities for staff welfare and training seriously."
For further information:

Simon Southgate - 020 7924 7988 or 07711 670301 (simon@primuscommunications.co.uk)

Notes to editors:

1. The research was conducted by ICM Research amongst a representative sample of 1,020 people.

2. Available data from the research includes: computer usage at home, at work and elsewhere; by sex, age, social class and region; breakdown of data by ailment suffered.

3. The data can be broken down by region as follows: South East; Midlands; North England; Wales and South West; and Scotland.

4. Use of this data is permissible if Home Working Solutions is given a credit.


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