Employers can help solve the problem of repetitive strain injury (RSI) by installing ergonomic furniture in offices, said Soren Kraen, general manager of UAE-based Gemaco Interiors.
According to Kraen, RSI costs some countries more than £3billion a year in lost employee time, much of which is preventable.
He said: “As companies become more accountable, employee welfare has moved up the priority list. Simple things like changing the furniture in an office can help treat common work-related complaints.”
Millions of workers in Europe alone are affected by RSI, which most commonly affects the neck, shoulders, arms and hands of workers, particularly those that type for a living.
Kraen explained: “Criteria such as the height of workstations and desks, arm position over the keyboards and lumbar support in chairs can all help employees’ day-to-day health.
“Equipment and furniture should all be positioned correctly, as well as using ergonomic furniture to avoid postural strain and muscle tension.”
