RSI costs £300m
Thu 5 Jun 2008
04/06/2008
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Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) costs UK business £300 million in lost working hours, research has found. Computer giant, Microsoft, commissioned the report and revealed 65 per cent of employees were suffering or had suffered from back, wrist, hand or shoulder pain, key indicators of RSI. "I'm surprised by the number of HR people who are unaware of the costs on companies," a Microsoft spokeswoman told Personnel Today. "Employers and HR managers both need to understand it's a preventable problem that's their responsibility, and if they haven't fulfilled obligations, they could be in trouble." The study found three out of four HR managers were unaware of its risks. The study also alerted workers and employers to a new ailment, 'Blackberry Thumb', caused when users worked too hard on their mobile handsets. The government said an employer may set out how workers inform them they are sick. "Usually you'll be able to self-certify for a week of illness; beyond that a doctor's note is usually required," Directgov advised.
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