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Minicute > Support |
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Incidence, occurrence of RSI |
- How many people are affected by RSI ?
The precise number of people affected by RSI is difficult to determine, however some statistics and estimates are available which have been listed below
• Europe
During the period between 1998-1999 an estimated 4.1 million people suffered from the disorder. (European Union Labour Force)
• United states
For the same period between 1.8-2.1 million people affected.(Bureau of Labour Statistics)
Statistics for the rest of the world are difficult to come by however the RSI Association estimates it will in some way affect 8 out of 10 workers in some time of their life and globally now one out of every fifty workers will have been forced to take time off due to the affliction. Estimates could be as high as 100 million people worldwide that have some form of RSI.
• Is it a growing problem?
Statistics have shown that from the time of the first PCÂ’s in the early eighties, RSI has steadily increased to account for 60% of all work related illnesses. In 1981 RSI accounted for 18% of all illnesses and had steadily risen to 60% by 1998. The problem has remained stable as a percentage but has increased due to the increased prevalence of computers and job specialisation.(Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• Is it a growing problem?
One of the biggest problems with RSI is that it is difficult to diagnose unless it is an extreme case. For this reason many suffer in silence until the problem has gone too far and becomes very painful or even debilitating. There is also the stigma that is often attached to those who claim to have RSI, which only serves to magnify the problem.
A person who has RSI will often have aches and pains, headaches and increased stress due their inability to work as efficiently as before. More errors are likely and productivity will almost certainly be affected. These a few early symptoms of a typical RSI. case. Once the condition advances an individual will often need to take pain killers just to function in there job. The next step is usually extreme pain lack of coordination and dexterity, inability to perform day to day tasks effectively which will almost certainly result in time off work. In some cases surgery may be required to correct the condition or alleviate pain.
- Costs of RSI in Europe, US, Worldwide
It is difficult to give an accurate figure on the economic costs of RSI world wide how ever some figures are available.
• In the United kingdom between 8 and 30 billion USD per year. (Trade Union Council)
• In the United States direct costs of over 20 billion USD and indirect cost between 30 and 40 billion USD. (Occupational Safety and Health Administration)
• In the European union between 40 and 60 billion USD are spent on RSI (European Union Labour Force)
On a global scale the most conservative estimate of the related costs of RSI disorders run into the hundreds of billions of dollars. These costs include absence from work, worker compensation, rehabilitation and surgical costs, and cost spent on preventive measures.
- How much money is spent preventing RSI?
Today more and more money is being spent on the prevention of RSI, as employers and government become increasingly aware of the size of the problem. Ergonomics is one way of helping prevent RSI research suggests that for every $1 invested in ergonomics intervention strategy (RSI prevention) there is a return of about $17 (Buckle 1999 cited RSIA). Ergonomic solutions range from arm rests and ergonomic keyboards that cost around $100 up to complete ergonomic workstations costing several thousand dollars.
• What are the preventive measures?
There are countless varieties ergonomic aids to reduce the chances of developing RSI. Some of these include keyboards, monitors, adjustable desks, arm and wrist supports, ergonomic mice, ergonomic chairs and so on. There is also a wide selection of software that prompts the user take breaks from their workstation.
• Do these measures work?
The effectiveness of most of these measures is disputed. No studies have shown any of these measures to be effective in preventing RSI so far. However, it is likely that some do contribute to a more comfortable work environment. Some arm and wrist supports will alleviate some stress on the muscles and a well set up workstation will encourage healthy work habits and posture. Some software programs have been shown to be effective, but in practice the user will usually not adhere to the programs requests to take a break. Furthermore the user often finds this method to be an interruption to their work.
The benefits of taking breaks has been proven effective to relieve muscle fatigue and tightness.
- Taking breaks or pauses as a prevention to RSI.
There is a lot of information available on the effectiveness of taking breaks to prevent RSI. Since this the only known effective measure so far, it will be discussed in detail.
• What are micropauses?
There is a lot of information available on the effectiveness of taking breaks to prevent RSI. Since this the only known effective measure so far, it will be discussed in detail.
• What are mini-breaks?
Mini-breaks are breaks that are typically 1-2 minutes in length and should be taken at least twice an hour. At least once an hour try to change what you are doing for about five minutes, either by changing your posture or just by varying you movements.
• What are the effects of taking breaks?
The benefits of taking breaks have been proven to reduce the incidents and severity of RSI.
It helps in several different ways firstly by reducing muscle fatigue, secondly it allows oxygen to flow through the muscle tissue more freely and thirdly it reduces overall stress on the body. (R.S.I.A.)
• How many breaks should be taken?
The amount of breaks that should be taken depends on how intense the task being performed is. Generally the best advice for someone performing data entry is to take a total of at least 10 minutes break every hour in the form of micropauses and mini breaks. These breaks are in addition to your normal daily breaks eg. morning, lunch, afternoon.
• How does software help?
There are numerous companies manufacturing software designed to remind the computer user to take frequent breaks. Some of the software has pop-up reminders that can be set to block use when a break is required. This software is effective if used correctly as the benefits of taking breaks are proven.
• Is software effective to prevent RSI ?
This method of reducing R.S.I. is usually installed in environments where there is an increased risk of developing a problem. These environments have high workloads and are often subjected to deadlines. Due to this fact the software wil sometimes be ignored, therefore reducing the softwareÂ’s effectiveness. If the software is setup to block the user when reminded, users will often have their chain of thought interrupted and normal work rate disturbed. This is a frequent reason for the user to turn the software off.
Save yourself this time and tension, release the mouse and relax!
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