Appeared in Ability Network, Volume 5, No. 2, Winter 1996
According to a 1995 study by the US Occupational Health and Safety Administration (OHSA), the incident rate of RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) within a five year period is one user in every six individuals who utilize their computers for more than two hours per day. Ironically, it would appear that the hardest workers, who provide the most value to their organizations, are the most likely candidates to acquire RSI. RSI costs society $17,000, on average, per incident. The cost is measured in loss of earnings and down time.
RSI is a phenomenon. Some doctors within the medical profession feel that there is no validity to such claims. Others take the opposing view. If you believe it is real, there is no known cure at present. Ergonomists and Occupational Heath and Safety Practitioners go to great lengths to minimize the risk of RSI. Proper posture while seated, including a 90 degree angle of your wrist and elbow, is striven for. Acquiring an ObusForm chair is desirable. Ergonomically designed keyboards are also believed to minimize unnecessary wrist strain. The validity becomes a moot point when you consider the costs of workers who are unable to continue in their livelihood.
Compaq, Microsoft and other manufacturers place warnings on their systems to protect users and minimize their own corporate liability. Experts do agree that the only method of combating RSI is through frequent breaks. However, if you are engrossed with your computer functions, or have a pressing deadline to meet, breaks are all too easy to forget.
This consultant has found an ideal solution. Vanity Software, a Canadian manufacturer, has designed "Ergobreak". The software overrides users' systems and obliges them to take a two minute break at certain intervals. There are animated characters that demonstrate a series of exercises to minimize RSI. The software also abounds with important information on RSI. The software can be customized for disseminating pertinent corporate information. The software is usually sold as a site license and is tailored for each user. If users are predominantly using their mouse, "mouse mileage" can be tracked and, at a desired interval, will initiate a break. Similarly, keystrokes and timed intervals can be monitored. The cost per user averages $40 Canadian. When you consider the alternative, this is a very inexpensive way to protect computer users. Some employers are reluctant to promote breaks with their employees. However, even if an employee was to take five Ergobreaks per day, it would only total ten minutes of break time.
It should be noted that the computer and drug industries are the only industries to refer to their customers as "users". Why increase the risk
