Real pain in the back

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Thursday 16th Oct 2003.

DEFECTIVE office chairs are leading to 180 million lost working days per year, according to new research.

And each year an estimated 500,000 people suffer from back and neck pain, costing British industry around £6 billion in lost productivity.

But many bosses are still choosing to ignore the problems that ill-fitting chairs cause.

Following the success of last year's Back Awareness Week, charity BackCare has teamed up with American communications firm Plantronics to organise another this week.

This year's theme is active recovery. Experts are encouraging people to combine early intervention with exercise to prevent the onset of chronic back pain.

BackCare chief executive Nia Taylor said: "Providing employers and employees alike with practical information on looking after their backs while working is extremely important for reducing the distress of back pain at work."

Plantronics has the following tips for workers to follow:

Watch your posture. Doing so helps to ensure that, wherever you are sitting, your back retains its natural `S' shape.

Adjust your work area to ensure you have easy access to your keyboard, mouse and in-tray. Then you will be able to reach everything without twisting and risking potential back strain or injury.

Wear a telephone headset. Doing so can help to reduce both back and neck strain by up to 31 per cent, while also increasing productivity.

Leading industries take back pain and its attendant productivity and welfare issues seriously.

Typical is Swindon-based Zurich Financial Services, which says it works as closely as possible with staff to identify problems and potential problems.

Spokeswoman Nicola Bryson said: "We work closely with employees who suffer from back pain to provide the equipment which will best suit their needs.

"Medical help for sufferers is also available through private healthcare as part of the flexible benefits package we offer to all employees".

David Greenleaf, spokesman for Stroud and Swindon Building Society, says staff are encouraged to report discomfort quickly.

He said: "We have a regular assessment every 12 months where everybody is asked to fill in a form.

"They are also invited to ask questions about the equipment and office furniture.

"Health and safety together with human resources answer any queries they may have."

Mr Greenleaf, stresses the need for companies to be on the ball on issues such as staff health.

"At our branches the desks are chairs are all under 12 months old and are in good condition.

"Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) costs employers a lot both in money and time. It is in their own interest to spend a bit of time preventing problems before they occur.

"Simple things like checking chairs are set correctly make a big difference."

Patrick Hamilton, spokesman for Motorola, says a specialist in posture regularly gives advice to staff at the Groundwell site.

He said: "We have a range of chairs that suit different needs. Staff also have the chance to undergo a posture examination.

"We also have an expert who calls in and advises how people should sit. We are committed to sorting this problem out."

kshoemith@newswilts.co.uk

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