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Introduction In the last decade, hundreds of thousands of otherwise healthy computer users have developed a painful, debilitating and sometimes disabling condition known as Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), Computer Related Injury (CRI) or Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorder (WRMSD).
RSI is a multifactorial complaints syndrome affecting the neck, back, shoulder, arm, elbow, wrist or hand, or a combination of these areas, which leads either to impairment or to participation problems. The syndrome is characterised by disturbance in the balance between load and physical capacity, preceded by activities that involve repeated movements or prolonged periods spent with one or more of the relevant body parts in a fixed position as one of the presumed etiological factors.
Ergonomics is the 'science of work' and is devoted to maximising human performance without causing injuries or detrimentally affecting performance.
Why is the current situation in the Indian IT/ITES Industry?
Preliminary results of our ongoing study of over 35,000 Indian IT professionals (2001-2009) found that 75% reported musculoskeletal symptoms related to work; 55% got injured within a year of starting their first job. The average age of patients who developed RSI was 27 years.No one is immune to RSI. Any computer user, who uses the computer incorrectly for more than one hour daily, is at risk of RSI. The most productive and hard working employees are the most likely to get injured.
RSI can seriously disrupt work and domestic life. Injured workers can become unemployed and unemployable. This has already happened to at least 200 young IT/ITES professionals (20-35 year old) in India. Statistics about other chronic, lifestyle disorders in the Indian IT Sector is equally alarming. However, RSI is the Number 1 Health Concern in the Indian IT/ITES Sector.
Ergonomic Intervention Programme
The goal of this programme is to prevent work related illnesses like RSI by taking a proactive approach in protecting workers from prolonged exposure to ergonomic risk factors, and addressing personal risk factors like posture, body awareness, and poor physical conditioning
Components of the Ergonomics Programme: 1. Ergonomics Awareness Lecture Duration: 60-120 minutes Intended audience: Workers in manufacturing jobs (e.g., machine operators, assembly line workers), computer users, laboratory workers and workers performing manual material handling.
Contents: Basics of ergonomics Predisposing risk factors for RSI Prevention and intervention strategies for RSI Chair and workstation adjustment (including demonstration) Postural training Correct techniques while using precision tools Visual ergonomics Exercise instruction for stretching and warm-ups Early warning signs of RSI and when to seek medical help
2. Ergonomics Work Station Evaluation A Specialist in Ergonomics will evaluate the workstation with the help of video recording, work station evaluation check list and anthropometric measurements. He/she will perform a detailed study of the nature of the work, machineries handled by the worker and the work environment. A written ergonomic evaluation report will be provided to the company which will include the current ergonomic problem(s) and specific recommendations to improve the work environment.
Potential benefits to employees
Increased opportunity for employees to take control of their health and medical treatment Increased morale due to management’s interest in their health and well-being Reduced work absences Reduced medical costs Reduced pain and suffering
Potential benefits to companies Increased worker morale Decreased organisational conflict Increased worker productivity, higher energy levels, less errors and increased competitiveness in the marketplace Informed health care, cost-conscious, workforce-positive public relations A recruitment tool for new workers Reduced sick leave and absenteeism Increased job satisfaction and job retention Improved employee work-life balance Greater goodwill in the society
The Economics Of Following An Effective Ergonomics Programme The money spent on improving the ergonomics of offices has an excellent return on investment. Previous studies have shown a return of up to $17.80 for every $1 invested. Because of the possibility of ugly law suits, there may be no other choice. Some injured employees in India have already started suing their companies. In most instances, existing facilities can be modified or readjusted to achieve the desired results, without having to make fresh purchases. Well-implemented ergonomics programmes are ALWAYS cost-effective - they save more than they cost. A basic programme of educating workers in ergonomics and the prevention of RSI are in a company's best interests and will result in more effective work practices.
Training Programmes in Ergonomics/RSI Prevention 1. Healthy Computing Lecture
Intended audience: People whose job/recreation is primarily computer-oriented. We strongly recommend that high-risk organisations (e.g., software companies, call-centers, medical transcription centres) make it mandatory for their existing and new staff to attend this lecture.
Duration: 60 minutes to 120 minutes
Contents: The Lecture covers an Introduction to RSI, and includes: - Basics of ergonomics concerning computer users
- Predisposing risk factors for RS
- Prevention and intervention strategies for RSI
- Chair adjustment and workstation setup (including demonstration)
- Balanced computing posture (including demonstration)
- Correct keyboard and mouse techniques
- Visual ergonomics
- Exercise instruction for stretching and warm-ups
- Early warning signs of RSI and when to seek medical help
Handouts and a survey of participants to assess their predisposition to RSI is provided. An LCD projector, a computer with MS Powerpoint and CD-ROM Drive, a typical adjustable chair and table is required (for demonstration).
It is possible to customise the modules so as have different sessions for the following groups:
- Managers, supervisors, purchasers, representatives from Health and Safety, Human Resources and Facilities
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement along with the number of employees expected to attend.
We have conducted this programme for the following organisations: - January 18, 2008 Brocade, Bangalore (www.brocade.com)
- January 14, 2008 CSR, Bangalore (www.csr.com)
- December 22, 2007 British Gas , Mumbai (www.bg-group.com)
- November 26 to 30, 2007 Tata Consultancy Services, Bangalore (www.tcs.com)
- October 19, 2007 Reserve Bank of India, Bangalore (www.rbi.org.in)
- October 12, 2007; September 17, 2007; Metlife, Bangalore (www.metlife.com)
- October 10, 2007 Tesco, Bangalore (www.tesco.com)
- September 28, 2007; September 7, 2007 Bearing Point, Bangalore (www.bearingpoint.com)
- September 28, 2007; September 6, 2007 Northern Trust, Bangalore (www.northerntrust.com)
- September 21, 2007; September 28, 2007 Intel technology India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (www.intel.com)
- September 3, 2007; August 6, 2007; August 18, 2006; July 12, 2006; July 13, 2005; June 29, 2005 Nvidia Graphics Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.nvidia.com)
- July 21, 2007; July 18, 2007 ACS India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (www.acs.com)
- July 20, 2007; April 10 , 2007 Wipro Technologies, Bangalore (www.wipro.com)
- July 19 , 2007 Fiberlink Software Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (www.fiberlink.com)
- June 11 , 2007 Emmes India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (www.emmes.com)
- June 11, 2007; July, 2006 Webmethods India Design Centre, Bangalore (www.webmethods.com)
- June 11 , 2007 Infinera India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (www.infinera.com)
- May 3 , 2007 Montalvo Systems, Bangalore (www.montalvo.com)
- April 25 , 2007 (10 sessions) British Gas Group, Mumbai (www.bg-group.com)
- April 25 , 2007 (6 sessions) Tata Consultancy Services, Bangalore (www.tcs.com)
- April 18 , 2007 CSR India, Bangalore (www.csr.com)
- April 11 , 2007 (2 sessions) Bearing Point Business Consulting India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (www.bearingpoint.com)
- March 28 , 2007 Mindtree Consultants, Bangalore (www.mindtree.com)
- March 22 , 2007; March 28, 2007 SAP Labs, Bangalore (www.sap.com)
- March 7 , 2007 Dendrite Software India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.dendrite.com)
- March 6 , 2007 LG Software India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.lgsoft.com)
- March 5 , 2007 i2 Technologies, Bangalore (www.i2.com)
- March 2, 2007; August 29, 2003 NDS Limited - India, Bangalore (www.nds.com)
- February 28, 2007 Ness Technologies, Bangalore (www.ness.com)
- March 1, 2007; February 28, 2007 Mphasis, Bangalore (www.mphasis.com)
- February 27, 2007 McAfee Software (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.mcafee.com)
- February 27, 2007 Samsung India Software, Bangalore (www.samsung.com)
- February 24, 2007; January 9 and 19, 2004 Huawei Technologies India Pvt. Limited, Bangalore (www.huawei.com)
- February 23, 2007; September 19, 2006; July 5, 2005; June 17, 2005; March 11, 2005; June 4, 2004 Texas Instruments India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.ti.com/asia/docs/india/)
- February 22, 2007; July 19-21, 2006 Digicaptions India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.digicaptions.com)
- September 13, 2006 Conzerv Systems Pvt Ltd., Bangalore (www.conzerv.com)
- August 23, 2006 Sterling Commerce Solutions, Bangalore (www.stercomm.com)
- August 16, 2006 Titan Industries Ltd., Bangalore (www.titan.com)
- August 11, 2006 Mcube Investment Software Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.mcubeit.com)
- August 7, 2006 Newscale Software Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.newscale.com)
- July 6, 2006 Sandisk India, Bangalore (www.sandisk.com)
- July 14, 2006 Titan Industries Ltd., Hosur, Tamil Nadu (www.titan.com)
- May 19, 2006; October 15, 2003 and February 13, 2004 National Semiconductors IDC, Bangalore (www.nsc.com)
- May 12, 2006 Portal IT India Pvt Ltd., Bangalore (www.portal.com)
- May 5, 2006 Snecma Aerospace India Pvt. Ltd. (Safran), Bangalore (www.safran.com)
- April 27, 2006 Inductis, Gurgaon (www.inductis.com)
- March , 2006 Iflex Solutions Ltd., Bangalore (www.iflexsolutions.com)
- February 24, 2006; March 2, 2005; February 11, and July 28, 2004; February 28, May 28, 2003 Hewlett Packard (India) Software Operations, Bangalore (www.hpindia.com/iso)
- February 22, 2006; November 17, 2004 Monsanto Research Centre, Bangalore (www.monsanto.com)
- December 23, 2005 GE India, Bangalore (http://www.ge.com)
- October 24, 2005 Infosys Technologies Ltd. , Mysore (http://www.infosys.com)
- September 26 and 30, 2005 Logica CMG Global Delivery Centre, Bangalore (http://www.logicacmg.com/offshore)
- September 26, 2005 Sasken Communication Technologies Ltd., Bangalore (http://www.sasken.com)
- September 16, 2005; August 6, 2004 Motorola India Electronics Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (http://www.motorola.com)
- August 19, 2005 Lightsurf Technologies, Bangalore (www.lightsurf.com)
- July 22, 2005 Indian Space Research Organisation (LPS Centre), Bangalore
- July 21, 2005 Honeywell (India) Software Operations Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.honeywell.com)
- May 27, 2005 Citec Information India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
- January 17, 2005 McKinsey & Company, New Delhi (http://www.mckinsey.com)
- January 3, 2005; October 8, 2004 McKinsey & Company, Mumbai (http://www.mckinsey.com)
- November 19, 2004 (2 sessions) Ubinetics India (Private) Ltd, Bangalore (www.ubinetics.com)
- October 29, 2004 Novell Software Development (I) Private Ltd, Bangalore (www.novell.com)
- October 15, 2004; April 9, 2003 Enercon Systems Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.enercon.co.in)
- October 5, 2004 Infosys Technologies Ltd., Bangalore (http://www.infosys.com)
- September 27, 2004 (2 sessions) and September 28, 2004 Alliance Semiconductor (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (http://www.alsc.com)
- September 6, 2004 Timken Engineering and Research-India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (http://www.timken.com)
- July 2 and July 9, 2004 Underwriters Laboratories Inc., Bangalore (http://www.ul-asia.com/)
- March 15, 2004 Sage Design Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.genesis-microchip.com)
- October 7, 2003 Pico Peta Simputers Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.picopeta.com)
- August 29, 2003 NDS Limited - India, Bangalore (www.nds.com)
- July 29, 2003 Microchip Technology Designs (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.microchip.com)
- June 27, 2003 Stylus Systems Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.stylusinc.com)
- January 14, 2003 Analog Devices, Bangalore (www.analogdevices.com/india)
2. RSI Prevention Workshop
Intended audience: Members of the Health and Safety Committee or the Ergonomics Committee
Duration: 4 hours
Contents: This is a fairly comprehensive and interactive workshop and works on the basis of "training the trainer". This core group of people is given advanced training so that they are able to impart correct ergonomic knowledge to other team members on a day to day basis. The group would be provided with a detailed assessment forms for workstation analysis, a manual on office ergonomics, trouble shooting of common problems and appropriate corrective measures.
Module 1: Introduction to ergonomics
* Define and understand basic ergonomic concepts
* Biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors for RSI
* Impact of RSI: medical, social and economic
Module 2: Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders
* Define and explain WRMSD/RSI
* Types of RSI
* Signs and symptoms
* Current research findings in India
* Treatment
Module 3: Intervention strategies
* Role of the employee
* Role of the employer
* Ergonomic devices, office furniture
* Practical strategies to implement ergonomic solutions
Module 4: Stress management, physical fitness and nutrition
* Stages and symptoms of stress
* Implications of prolonged exposure to stress
* Stress management
* Benefits and components of a balanced exercise program
* Balanced nutrition
Module 5: Correct body mechanics
* Structure of the spine and upper limb-basic anatomy
* Balanced working posture
* Body awareness
* Proper lifting techniques
* Doing the job the best way possible
Module 6: Organising your work space
* Proper workstation and chair set-up
* Risk areas and common errors
* Basic stress relieving stretches
* Environmental factors
* Visual ergonomics
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement along with the number of employees expected to attend.
We have conducted this programme for the following organisations:
- November 26 to 30, 2007 TCS, Bangalore(www.tcs.com)
- October 12,2007; September 17, 2007; Metlife, Bangalore(www.metlife.com)
- September 21, 2007; September 28, 2007 Intel technology India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore (www.intel.com)
- July 13, 2006 Titan Industries Ltd., Hosur, Tamil Nadu (www.titan.com)
- June 30, 2006 Greenfield Networks Technologies Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.greenfieldnetworks.com)
- June 2, 2005 Honeywell (India) Software Operations Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore (www.honeywell.com)
- November 29, 2004 Monsanto Research Centre, Bangalore (www.monsanto.com)
- October 8, 2004 McKinsey & Company, Mumbai (http://www.mckinsey.com)
- August 23, 2003 Shobha Renaissance Information Technology (Pvt.) Ltd., Bangalore (www.renaissance-it.com)
3. Back School
What is a Back School?
- It is an educational treatment approach based upon the fact that most patients' back pain is increased by mechanical strain.
- Our philosophy is that knowledge is the best defense against back pain. We empower you to manage your own pain and prevent recurrence by training you to look after your back.
- The goal of the program is to teach the employee how to control their environment using their existing furniture and equipment to prevent painful and costly back injuries.
- We have selectively incorporated features of both the Swedish and Californian Models of Back School, keeping in mind the needs and circumstances of Indian patients.
- Recent research has shown this technique to be effective in relieving chronic back pain (Medline)
What happens in the Back School?
- Duration: 4 hours.
- Sessions include theoretical instruction, an audiovisual program, discussion and practical application of theory to individual situations
Modules
1. Anatomy of Spine; why do we get back pain?
2. Applied Body Mechanics and Posture (healthier ways to sit, stand, sleep and lift objects)
3. Ergonomics; How to avoid pain-provoking situations in day-to-day life
4. Physical Exercise; Relaxation Techniques
There is an option to customize the modules according to the needs of the participants who enroll in groups, e.g., Students, Housewives, Office employees, or Computer Professionals. It may also be possible to offer the entire programme online in the near future.
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement along with the number of employees expected to attend.
This programme has been conducted for the following companies:
4. Call Centre Health and Safety Workshop
Intended audience: Employees in call centers, including HR managers and health and safety representatives
Duration: 2 hours
Contents: The Lecture covers health and safety issues in call centres, and includes:
- Musculoskeletal disorders: Introduction to ergonomics, Biomechanical and psychosocial risk factors, Chair and workstation adjustment (including demonstration), Balanced computing posture (including demonstration), Correct keyboard and mouse techniques, Early warning signs and when to seek medical help
- Visual problems: risk factors and prevention strategies
- Hearing problems: risk factors and prevention strategies
- Voice problems: risk factors and prevention strategies
- Stress: Stages and symptoms of stress, Implications of prolonged exposure to stress, Job Design, Monitoring, Targets, Feedback, Dealing with verbal abuse, Stress management
- General health, physical fitness and nutrition: Benefits and components of a balanced exercise program, Balanced nutrition, Diurnal cycle and sleep
Handouts and a survey of participants to assess their predisposition to various health and safety problems is provided. An LCD projector, a computer with MS Powerpoint and CD-ROM Drive, a typical adjustable chair and table is required (for demonstration).
Fees: Please contact me with your requirement along with the number of employees expected to attend.
This programme was conducted on September 6, 2004 for Timken Engineering and Research-India Pvt. Ltd. (BPO Segment), Bangalore (http://www.timken.com)
5. Laboratory Ergonomics Workshop
Intended audience: Workers in research laboratories and those performing prolonged tasks such as pipetting, microscopy, dissection, and other repetitive procedures.
Duration: 2 hours
Contents: The Workshop teaches how to set up functional and ergonomically safe workstations, correct posture, body mechanics, and prevention of repetitive strain injuries. The following topics are discussed:
- Common laboratory activities
- Ergonomic risk factors
- Solutions for pipetting
- Solutions for microscope use
- Solutions for common lab processes
- Computer workstation set-up, balanced computing posture
- Preventive exercices
Handouts and a survey of participants to assess their predisposition to RSI is provided. An LCD projector, a computer with MS Powerpoint and CD-ROM Drive, a typical adjustable chair, microscope and other commonly used tools, and table is required (for demonstration).
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement along with the number of employees expected to attend.
This programme was conducted on February 22, 2006 and November 29, 2004 for Monsanto Research Centre, Bangalore (www.monsanto.com)
6. Occupational Stress Management Lecture
Duration: 2 hours
Contents: The Lecture covers
- Causes of stress in an organisation
- Stages and symptoms of stress
- Implications of prolonged exposure to stress
- Stress management, including self help tips
- The role of exercise and nutrition
- Job designs to avoid monotonous tasks
Handouts and a survey of participants to assess their predisposition to occupational stress is provided. An LCD projector, a computer with MS Powerpoint and CD-ROM Drive are required (for demonstration).
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement along with the number of employees expected to attend.
7. In-House RSI Clinics
- Individual Musculoskeletal consultation: The RSI Clinic is based on the principle of early medical intervention the moment the employee becomes symptomatic. It is now recognised that recovery from RSI depends mainly on the stage at which correct treatment is started. Stage 1 (symptoms only during work) respond within days or weeks, Stage 2 (symptoms that persists even after stopping typing but relieved on rest) take a few months, while Stage 3 (constant symptoms) may take several months. We encourage employees to seek help for Stage 1 or 2 symptoms. Delay of a few days in seeking medical help can make the difference between a quick recovery and a long drawn struggle to overcome RSI. This emphasizes the importance of having an in-house program.
- Work Site Evaluation and Advice from a Medical Ergonomic perspective: During the workstation evaluation, ergonomic problems are identified and corrected. The employee will learn the proper adjustments for his/her chair, table, keyboard surface and monitor. He/she will also learn proper placement for the tools used every day, such as the mouse, keyboard and telephone.
- Technique Analysis And Retraining: Improper technique can lead to RSI. Technique refers to how you habitually position your hands at the keyboard or mouse. With technique analysis hazardous habits are identified and replaced with biomechanically safer techniques. Correct computing technique is not intuitive; and very few computer users in India have received proper instruction in this area, so this training is a critical part of the prevention program.
- Appropriate musculoskeletal treatment: myotherapy, trigger point therapy, myofascial release, neuromuscular therapy, nerve glides, soft tissue mobilization, etc.
- Ergonomic furniture and accessory recommendations
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement for a detailed proposal.
RSI Clinics are being conducted for the following companies:
- Hewlett Packard (India) Software Operations, Bangalore. Over 4000 IT Professionals have already been treated in the clinic since September 5, 2001, which is the first well-known medical ergonomic intervention programme of its kind in India.
- Oracle Software (India) Ltd., Bangalore, Hyderabad, Noida and Gurgaon (http://www.oracle.com) Over 3000 IT professionals have already been treated in the RSI Clinic since 2005
- Wipro Technologies, Bangalore (Electronic City, Sarjapur Road), Pune, Kolkata and Hyderabad (since 2007)
- Texas Instruments India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore. Over 1000 IT professionals have already been treated in the RSI Clinic since 2005
- Cisco, Bangalore since 2007
- Sterling Commerce Solutions, Bangalore since 2007
- Qualcomm, Bangalore since 2008
- Monsanto Research Centre, Bangalore (www.monsanto.com) since 2004
- Honeywell (India), Bangalore, Hyderabad, Madurai, Pune since 2007
- McKinsey & Company, Mumbai and New Delhi (http://www.mckinsey.com) since 2005
- Dell Perot Systems, Bangalore
8. Corporate Health Clinics
- A Physician will conduct this clinic and general health issues, e.g., stress, nutrition, exercise, sleep disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, chronic illnesses (diabetes, hypertension, etc.) would be addressed.
- Facilities for pre-employment health screening and annual health check up can also be provided
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement for a detailed proposal.
9. Corporate Ergonomic Consultancy
Advice regarding furniture and ergonomic equipment purchases, for example, before moving into a new office.
Work Site Evaluation and Advice from a Medical Ergonomic perspective:
- Ergonomic and/or postural risk factors are identified and documented
- Corrective measures are recommended and documented
- Training regarding the proper adjustments for chair, table, keyboard surface and monitor
- Training regarding proper placement and usage of tools used every day, such as the mouse, keyboard and telephone
- Confidential questionnaire to assess whether an employee already has a musculoskeletal disorder
- An appraisal for office layout, design of workstations, furniture and office environment
Fees: Please contact us with your requirement along with the number of employees that need to be assessed.
Our existing clients include:
- Hewlett Packard (India) Software Operations, Bangalore
- Oracle Software (India) Ltd., Bangalore & Hyderabad
- Analog Devices, Bangalore
- McKinsey & Company, Mumbai and New Delhi
- Sage Design Systems (India) Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
- Monsanto Research Centre, Bangalore
- Honeywell (India) Software Operations Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
- Texas Instruments India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
- CSR (Ubinetics) India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
- PP Payne, Bangalore
- John Crane Sealing Systems India Pvt Ltd, Bangalore
- Nvidia, Bangalore
- Inductis, Gurgaon
- Ness Technologies, Bangalore
- National Semiconductor, Bangalore
- Digicaptions India Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore
- Sandisk India, Bangalore
- Titan Industries Pvt. Ltd., Bangalore and Hosur
- Webmethods India Design Centre, Bangalore
For Service Offering and Costing please send an email with your company details. References can be provided on request. RECOUP Neuromusculoskeletal Rehabilitation Center 312, 10th Block, Further Extension of Anjanapura Layout, 80 Feet Road, Bangalore-560062, India Tel: +91-80-64504224, +91-80-64504334, +91-98451 55449 Contact Person: Mr. Jerrish A Jose, Head - Corporate Services
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