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Back in the times when typewriters were the only form of word processing, the degree of repetitive strain injury was reduced by the regular breaks of inserting paper. Today, because computers allow us to type freely with no interruptions, the risk has increased. When typing, very few of us think about the high risks of injury associated with our fingers, wrists and tendons. Those people that are employed only to type (e.g. secretaries) are usually the ones that keep quiet when they suffer from RSI caused by constant typing because they fear for their job.

Employees now have the backing of the law for employers to provide action to reduce the risk of RSI and it is an issue that should be covered in the risk assessment (if used). To reduce the risk, you should provide adequate workstations that allow the employee to feel more comfortable when using a computer for typing or manoeuvring the mouse. Further, you should allow the employee to have regular breaks from typing by rotating their tasks.

Products have also been made available to assist RSI sufferers, which includes the ergonomically designed keyboard (available at all big office equipment stores) that reduces the need to bend and flex the wrists when typing.

To keep up to date with Health & Safety issues checkout our articles at www.thehealthandsafetysupermarket.com and for all your keyboards, wrist rests, mouse mats with wrist rests check out www.theofficesuppliessupermarket.com and you will also find foot rests, foot supports, back supports in fact everything to make you sit comfortable at work without causing injury or harm.

Click here to check out a great product: Logitech Comfort Cordless Desktop Keyboard Split-key Adjustable and Optical Mouse Ref 967692-0120 (Code: 706728)  - An ergonomic split-key design and adjustable keyboard height for increased comfort.