Computer (DSE) User

RSI is by no means confined to keyboard workers but there can be no doubt that the increased prevalence of these painful and sometimes disabling conditions is related to the huge rise in computer use since the late 1980s.

The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published guidelines to employers on how to comply with the display screen equipment regulations. Insufficient rest breaks are a key risk factor and computer users may also face repetitive keyboard work, awkward gripping and twisting movements associated with mouse use and poor overall posture. In particular hot-desking, sharing work-stations, and the widespread use of laptops do not always take account of employee needs and the varying heights and sizes of individual computer users.