300,000 people will have today off work due to back pain – what about you and your team?

Fellowes, in partnership with BackCare, the charity for healthier backs, has launched Ergonomix, a nationwide month-long campaign that aims to reduce the risk of RSI, back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders by raising awareness of workstation assessments and ergonomics in the workplace.

Not only do musculoskeletal disorders cost businesses £600 million per year and ten million lost work days, but research commissioned by Fellowes, the leading supplier of workspace solutions, shows that 36% of the UK’s office workers have never had a formal workstation assessment, with a further 12% admitting that their last assessment took place so long ago they can no longer remember the advice they were given.  With over 75% of employees claiming that they would consider suing their employer over a workplace injury[1], incorrect posture is no longer an issue that businesses can afford to ignore.

Fellowes and BackCare are leading the fight against workstation illnesses and have set up a dedicated website (www.ergonomix.info) with detailed information on how to protect your workforce – and your bottom line – by conducting regular workstation assessments and providing ergonomic products.   

“Often, a low-cost investment by businesses can help employees avoid potentially costly long-term injuries,” said Dr Dries Hettinga of BackCare.  “The  ROSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents) estimates that workstation related illnesses cost UK businesses £1,000 per employee, per annum[2].  Yet simple information and products designed to provide safe, comfortable and productive working – such as wrist rests and back supports – can cost as little as £10 and won't need replacing for at least three years.”

Louise Shipley, Fellowes’ ergonomic expert, agrees:  “With conditions such as thoracic outlet syndrome, carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, tennis elbow and trigger finger, amongst others, frequently attributed to poor posture in the workplace, businesses can no longer be complacent.”

“Fellowes has created a dedicated health and safety toolkit, containing detailed information on how to prevent injury, as well as an interactive workstation assessment CD.  This is available free of charge from the website [www.ergonomix.info] now – order yours, assess your business and be sure to stay protected.”