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A
recently conducted Express Computer study across 50 IT firms in
Chennai revealed that little is being done to address computer-related
injuries (CRI) afflicting the IT professionals in these organisations.
Neuro-muscular disorders leading to pain, burning sensation, numbness,
stiffness, tingling in fingers, arms, etc,...go unreported, but
might develop into serious disabilities in the future. The Chennai
study, write G Sankaranarayanan and A Seena, is a
pointer to the prevailing scenario in the country
“If
you can’t beat your computer at chess, don’t lose heart,”
someone suggested, “change the game! Try kick-boxing!”
Jokes apart, many people do not have a choice to select the kind
of “games” they want to play with computers, that is the
paid-to-play kind. They are being knocked out by the computer at
every round and might be disabled one day, finally. We call this
computer-related injuries (CRI), one of the awkward occupational
hazards of the knowledge industry, an e-avatar of the industrial
era’s repetitive strain injury (RSI).
 A
17th century physician Ramazinni was the first one to document RSI.
He, in his book De Morbis Artificum, published in 1793, wrote that
certain work caused physical injuries leading to “violent and
irregular motions and unnatural postures of the body,” which
impairs the natural structure of the body so much so “that
serious diseases gradually develop therefrom.”
Changing
work demands, especially since the advent of the industrial revolution,
has led to physically strenuous (and psychologically stressful)
activities, involving “irregular motions” while in an
“unnatural posture”, for many hours. The working posture
of a modern day computer professional is equally harmful. Sitting
on a chair (and staring at the computer in front of the desk) is
an unnatural posture. Also, the use of keyboard or mouse involves
“irregular motions” that results in strain on the muscles
and tendons, and consequently computer-related injuries.
Studies
suggest that 20 percent to 25 percent of computer users worldwide,
both vocational and recreational, have symptoms related to their
computer activities. The first CRI “epidemic” was noticed
in Australia 15 years ago and then emerged in many other industrialised
countries.
 The
US Bureau of Labour Statistics says that CRI has accounted for more
than 60 percent of all occupational illnesses reported in the country
since 1991.
It
is true that CRI can be avoided by creating awareness and practice
of correct computer usage. HR departments of most companies however
make little effort. Injuries mostly go unreported and thanks to
the lack of awareness among medical professionals, the initial symptoms
are treated inappropriately.
Express
Computer conducted a study in June 2003, to understand the attitude
of HR departments of IT and IT Enabled Services (ITES) organisations
in Chennai. It was found that out of 50 companies surveyed only
three had HR policies for CRI. Furthermore, only seven companies
had conducted CRI awareness programmes, five organisations eye-evaluation
programmes and only 15 provided eye-friendly screens for employees.
CRI
is not treated as an occupational hazard in India, unlike developed
countries such as the US, Canada and UK where a computer-related
injury is compensated. US government agencies report that the cost
of compensation for RSI in the country exceeds $20 billion a year.
Around 62 percent of companies in Chennai acknowledge that they
do not provide medical allowance and compensation to employees who
suffer from CRI. Even if the companies are willing to provide compensation,
the employees fearing retrenchment and not knowing the seriousness
of the problem, do not normally report to their HR departments.
Surprisingly,
almost 98 percent of the respondents do understand the need for
ergonomics in their work environments in terms of better lighting,
eyes-friendly screens, etc. Around 98 percent feel that better lighting
systems at the workplace can play a key role in reducing CRI (particularly
eye strain), and 78 percent recommend additional facilities can
reduce back pains.
 While
some organisations formally conduct programmes on stress management,
yoga or ergonomics, and employees informally share tips on posture,
how to grip the mouse, chair-fitting, exercise instructions on stretching
and warm-ups, what is required are comprehensive, multi-disciplinary
CRI prevention programmes. Large IT organisations can even think
of setting up in-house CRI clinics with orthopaedic consultants,
physiotherapist and ergonomic experts.
According
to Dr Deepak Sharan, a consultant orthopaedic surgeon and rehabilitation
specialist, based at Bangalore, the preliminary results of an ongoing
study among over 1,200 IT professionals in Bangalore (2001-2003)
suggest that over 75 percent of those studied reported CRI symptoms
of varying severity.
The
Bangalore survey also found that over 50 percent developed CRI within
one year of starting their IT career, clearly suggesting a lack
of knowledge about CRI and how to protect their body from injuries.
The male:female ratio of CRI patients in India is considered 4:1,
the median age, 27 years, and less than 0.5 percent had any predisposing
medical disorders. The common symptoms were found to be back pain
(47 percent), neck pain (35 percent), shoulder pain (34 percent),
finger pain (26 percent), arm pain (22 percent), visual strain (20
percent), tingling/numbness of hands (16 percent), and weakness
of hand (10 percent). Over 50 percent patients who had developed
serious tendinitis of hand or neurovascular compression, reported
having longstanding aches and pains in the neck and shoulders, which
they had considered “normal” for computer users and ignored.
The commonest predisposing ergonomic factors were lack of appropriate
breaks (86 percent); improper monitor height (60 percent); keeping
the mouse at a higher than recommended height (54 percent); resting
the arm or wrist on a hard surface while typing (42 percent); and
keeping the keyboard too high (40 percent).
Similar
surveys conducted at cities like Hyderabad revealed that nearly
50 percent of executives were suffering from CRI symptoms.
The
only solution is prevention by creating awareness of proper computer
usage and helpful HR guidelines. Undoubtedly, the onus of responsibility
to provide safe working environments and preventive training for
workers lies with the organisations.
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