"RSI on the rise: Reports state that over 60% of workers now suffer from it

It comes as quite a worry to me to read that workers from smaller companies are most at risk of RSI as there are only 20 people in my office, which already places me as a potential candidate. Add to that reports of cases rising by 30% last year (and those are just the reported ones) and I think it's about time I took a coffee break. Microsoft revealed that would 68% of workers suffer from aches and pains, which include back ache, and shoulder pain and pains in hands and wrists. This really should be addressed by companies as well as their staff, as sick days due to strain and injury are costing approx £300 million a year in lost working hours.

But how do you counter this? Computers are such a staple of everyday work life that simply going without isn't feasible, so how do you adjust your working routine to minimize stress and injury?

One step you can take is to use ergonomic hardware, which means a more user friendly computer and keyboard, a comfortable chair and footrest, all which help minimize strain. There are other things you can do as well.

There's a great programme called Workplace Angel which helps you keep your body in great shape. After initially scaring you with the amount of problems you can get from the office ( musculoskeletal disorders, visual fatigues, stresses and other health problems) it gives you simple exercises and ways of keeping yourself in shape. It includes alerts on your desktop to remind you to take a break, exercises to do at your desk, and even quotes from philosophers to stimulate your mind.

Some other steps you can take to reduce your chance of RSI are as follows.

-Take regular breaks from the PC. Open letters, go for a walk or have a meeting, anything which stops tapping away.

-Stretch regularly, yes, even if you look weird at your desk. Go on, arms over the head!

-Sit up straight!

-Cut down on Facebook and MSN- do you really need to check them? Your fingers will thank you!"

Zara Rabinowicz on June 5, 2008, Shinyshiny.tv