Long hours of work require ergonomic seating and correct postures to prevent health problems

How is your “desk health”? According to a new report, millions of office workers are suffering from headaches, backache and eye fatigue brought about by a lack of knowledge of workstation ergonomics. The research project by ViewSonic found that 75 per cent of deskbound employees complain of regular aches and pains.

The report reveals that 46 per cent of us spend six hours or more a day glued to our screens, and more than half don’t take proper breaks.

Poor equipment is partly to blame, but so is lack of “ergo- knowledge”, says Mel Taylor, director of European Marketing for ViewSonic. “We are not only a workforce plagued by chronic ill-health, but we lack the will to change,” he says. “Employers could be doing more to promote good ergonomics practice, but employees could look after themselves more effectively, too.”

Another risk is repetitive strain injury (RSI). Four years ago, Karen Lowe, a senior litigation assistant, suffered “horrendous pain” in her right hand and discovered that she had carpal tunnel syndrome, a severe form of RSI. “I was working on the keyboard all day, I had no admin support so I had to do that as well as my job. I was also using the keyboard when I got home to study for exams,” says Lowe.

Fortunately, Lowe’s human resources director acted fast, and hired an ergonomic keyboard for her. “Since then I’ve been pain-free,” she says.

According to Emil Reisser-Weston, an ergonomist for the online resources provider e-OfficeSafety, desk health is more important than ever. “People are becoming more trapped at desks, in computer workstation posture,” he explains. He recommends hourly breaks to stretch, and a “focus break” for your eyes every 20 minutes, looking into the middle distance. “Staff should also consider how long they work continuously at the screen.”

But the overall message is clear: employees must help themselves. In ViewSonic’s report only 15 per cent of staff had sought help. ViewSonic offers a range of guidance and self-help ergonomic tools at www. monitorvictims.com while e-OfficeSafety provides help and a free online workplace assessment at www.e-officesafety.com.

Lowe agrees that staff must be empowered to act. “The worst thing you can do is ignore the problem. Act fast and investigate the options. Even small and inexpensive changes can make a huge difference.”