IT professionals could be putting themselves at risk of
repetitive strain injury from using computer mice, research by the
Ergonomics Society has suggested.
The society is urging employers to offer IT staff a choice of
shorter keyboards and a range of different mice to combat the
problem.
"It is not necessarily a liability issue, but it can lead to people
taking time off work and that costs employers money," said Roger
Haslam, chairman of the society.
Research conducted by the University of Surrey and Loughborough
University, showed that the more frequently people use computers,
the more likely they are to suffer aches and pains.
Computer users can develop problems such as "mouse shoulder"
because they have to stretch to reach the mouse, which is usually
placed at the right-hand side of a keyboard.
"The human body is not designed to adopt awkward postures for
prolonged periods and work that requires this can cause aches and
pains and more serious problems over a longer period," the
Ergonomics Society warned.
The society recommended that IT workers take short, frequent breaks
rather than longer, less frequent breaks.
Employers should also make sure equipment is properly maintained
and that mice are regularly cleaned, said Haslam.