When OOS starts to OOZE it can be a real PAIN

Ross Thomson

OOS or Occupational Overuse Syndrome, was previously known as RSI or Repetitive Strain Injury. Today ACC include it under the umbrella term DPI, or Discomfort, Pain and Injury (ACC 2006). Few people realize that OOS is still a huge problem that affects some people to an enormous degree. Indeed, when OOS really sets in it can OOZE into all areas of one's life. For some people OOS not only makes work difficult but threatens their very livelihood. In this article we document two real stories of people we have interviewed who have suffered in this way. Inspired by these people, we then go on to look at ways to that OOS and its associated problems, might be prevented.

TWO REAL LIFE STORIES

Lucy's Story (not her own name)

Lucy's problems were first experienced in the UK. She joined the IT world back in 1980, starting as a programmer at the time when personal computers (i.e. one computer per person) were just being introduced. As time went on Lucy progressed to Systems Programmer. Through these years of work there were often extended hours of PC work, especially when it came to getting systems up and running. Little was known about OOS/RSI in relation to computers back then and soon Lucy began to experience upper back and neck pain. She found herself needing to take Neurofen and anti-inflammatories on a daily basis in order to control the pain. Does this sound familiar to anyone?

Steve's Story

Steve originally succumbed to OOS in his early working career as a very successful potter. In fact, demand was growing for his product and he was working longer and longer hours. Unfortunately, Steve's upper body pain became so bad, that he had to give up his profession as a potter, something that he loved.

Steve then went into Sales and Management over the next four to five years, an area of business that eventually led him into Computing and Data analysis work. There was a period when he was doing a very demanding project which necessitated a concentrated period of work. He once again found that his arm was experiencing major pain and that he could only operate his mouse when his arm was fully extended out to his side - not a pretty way to sit!! At this point in time Steve knew that OOS was back to haunt him and once more had to find new work. This time Steve was forced to find work where the PC content was not so demanding.

Steve is now working as a tutor, teaching Website Design. He has found ways to manage his OOS, but realizes that it will never totally go away. Steve has set his home workstation up in a very careful way, giving much thought to appropriate ergonomics. He has also retrained himself to use his left hand for all his mouse work. Steve has also incorporated stretching exercises into his daily routine that his Osteopath and Physiotherapist have given him. All these things have helped to keep his OOS / RSI at bay. However, Steve is constantly aware that it is always close to breaking out. Indeed, even applying for another job with a much more demanding PC work load, or visiting a Pottery exhibition can be enough to trigger the pain sensations within Steve's upper torso!!

Steve finds that keeping a positive attitude about his OOS problems also helps. Rather than thinking that OOS has limited his opportunities, Steve feels that this pain has now focused him on just what he should be doing for a career. And when he doesn't.... well that's when his own body speaks to him, quite often in very loud terms!!

HOW CAN WE PREVENT OOS OOZING?

Both Lucy and Steve's stories certainly highlight the dramatic effect OOS can potentially have on working careers. How might we learn from these two people and be inspired to prevent such problems happening in our own lives and careers? We have compiled some important preventative tips below based on the advice that Lucy and Steve offer, ACC's recommendations for preventing DPI (ACC 2006) and our own experience.

1. Give Yourself a Break!:
• Take regular breaks.
• Vary your daily tasks.
• Make sure your workstation is set up correctly.
• Monitor the number of hours you spend each day at the PC.
• Make sure your work environment is suitable to work in.
• Agree on acceptable work loads and deadlines.
• Learn to touch type.

2. Stretch Regularly:
Our bodies are designed to move and as a result we can feel stiff after sitting for long periods of time at a computer, especially in our arms and shoulders. Don't worry if you can't remember which stretch to do for a particular part of your body because ACC have produced a wonderful interactive website www.habitatwork.co.nz . This website has lots of great animated stretching exercises that you can do at your desk when you are taking a micro-break. Now you have NO EXCUSE NOT TO STRETCH!!

3. Get Good Medical Advice:
If you have got pain and it is not going away, get good medical advice from your health professional and make sure that you FOLLOW THROUGH on the exercises/treatment plan they recommend.

CAN OOS REALLY HAPPEN TO ME?

OOS problems certainly haven't gone away as Lucy and Steve's stories highlight. DOL & ACC (2002) have also published a compilation of similar cases, together with the resulting economic costs for the individual, the employer and the community. You can find this document at http://www.osh.govt.nz/order/catalogue/160.shtml

In another recent study (2007) conducted of nearly 50,000 computer users across 95 organisations in Europe, North America and Australasia it was found that the average office worker uses the computer for 12.4 hours a week, with less than 1 per cent exceeding 30 hours per week. These recorded times were a lot lower than were previously thought. Dr Kevin Taylor, director of Wellnomics, concludes that "The reality is the current level of injuries is coming from lower levels of computer use than first thought."

CONCLUSION

In our interviews, both Lucy and Steve mentioned the importance of staying positive if OOS does occur. However, both would firmly advocate prevention rather than cure! Certainly they have learned the hard way that their bodies have limits. These days computers do play an important role in many of our lives and that is unlikely to change. However, we do not need to treat our own bodies like machines. By looking after ourselves and our bodies we can retain our health and our livelihood!

Ross Thomson is Co-Director of Joyworkz Ltd.

REFERENCES

ACC & Department of Labour (2002). Aftermath - The Social and Economic Consequences of Workplace Injury and Illness.

Accident Compensation Commission. (2006). Preventing & Managing Discomfort, Pain & Injury. ACC Thinksafe.

Accident Compensation Commission. (2007). www.habitatwork.co.nz

New Zealand Herald. 2007 (December 5th). Byting us where it hurts.

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