Upper limb symptoms in keyboard workers-research published
Health and Safety Executive (HSE) funded research has been published into the factors associated with upper limb disorders (ULDs) amongst keyboard workers. The study was carried out by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM). It follows on from a previous IOM study (also funded by HSE) which found that secretaries and 'temps' were significantly over-represented amongst female workers reporting ULDs. The latest research had two main aims; to study keyboard workers in a variety of professions to identify work factors associated with symptoms of ULDs and then, based on the findings, to advise on practical modifications to work or working practices which would be likely to reduce the risk of workers developing ULDs.
In phase 1 of the study, respondents were asked to describe any symptoms they were suffering in their upper limbs, which would indicate an underlying or newly developing problem. Over 3,500 people responded; almost 55 per cent said they had experienced symptoms of ULDs at some time and 49 per cent said they had experienced symptoms in the last three months. 14 per cent had asked for advice about their symptoms from a health professional such as a doctor or physiotherapist.
In phase 2 of the study, almost 450 keyboard users were studied in detail. A sample of 295 people reporting at least one set of symptoms (cases) took part in a case-control comparison with 154 people who reported no symptoms (controls). Ergonomists conducted a detailed examination of each respondent's workplace; interviewed them; asked them to complete standard questionnaires; and observed them working.
The researchers found that a number of factors may be associated with ULD symptoms amongst keyboard workers. These included: the number of hours spent each week using a keyboard; the length of time spent at the keyboard without a break; having to key at a specified rate; work stresses (such as not being able to choose when to take a break from the keyboard, experiencing frustrations with the software, being disturbed by factors in the office environment such as smells, draughts, etc); and the lack of, or poor, adjustability of equipment. Personal factors such as age, gender (with women more likely to experience these problems than men), and undertaking sports and hobbies involving repetitive hand and arm movements were also associated with ULD symptoms.
A number of the findings validate the provisions of the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992. These include the provision of regular breaks or changes of activity; minimum requirements for equipment and the furniture; and the need to provide information and training for keyboard users.
Copies of a free leaflet Working with VDUs INDG36(rev 1) are available from HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk, CO10 2WA, tel: 01787 881165 or fax: 01787 313995.
NOTES TO EDITORS:
1. This report's contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy. Please contact IOM's Head of Human Sciences Richard Graveling on 0131 667 5131. Press review copies are available from the IOM press office - contact Alan Bradley on 0131 667 5131.
2. The field work underpinning the research was done when the use of non-keyboard input devices (such as the mouse) were not as prevalent as they are now. A separate HSE-funded study is underway to examine if there are any health risks associated with these types of equipment. For details about this research you can contact either Valerie Woods and Professor Peter Buckle at the University of Surrey on 01483 259213 or Dr Roger Haslam and Sarah Hastings at Loughborough University on 01509 223042.
3. The earlier IOM study is Clinical epidemiological study of relations between upper limb soft tissue disorders and repetitive movements at work (1989) Published by IOM as TM/88/19.
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