This photo appeared in the University News, Volume 11, Number 18, November 4 to 15, 1985. The text was: "Engaged to prevent RSI The University has for some time been concern at the growing problem or Repetition Stain Injury (RSI) among staff who use electronic keyboards. An initiative has now been taken by the Vice-Chancellor with the engagement of a consulting occupational therapist, Mrs Elizabeth Turner, to serve as an advisor to those staff members already suffering from RSI and potential sufferers. Mrs Turner says there will be two tasks at the forefront of her association with the University: "¢Assessing staff with RSI to try to identify factor which might cause the problem, and "¢Educating staff about RSI and the need to comply with guidelines aimed at preventing RSI. Mrs Turner says she will evaluate the design of work stations used by keyboard operators - seating, the keyboard platforms, the document holders, etc, - to see if ergonomic requirements have been met. She and the operators will discuss organisational matters, such as time spent on keyboards, the kinds of work being done, incentives, the training that has been given, and individual aspects, such as stress and posture. Ms Turner says there is an urgent need for people to understand the facts about RSI, because many cases can be satisfactorily resolved if people did not become hysterical. "I am seeing women who are very young, who are more afraid of the possibility of have RSI than of learning how to prevent it RSI is a management problem, not a health problem, and every organisation has to plan how it is going to cope with RSI. Mrs Turn says personally she believed the overloading of muscles combined with stress led to RSI. Mrs Turner will report to the newly formed Occupational Health Committee through the University's Safety Officer Mr. Maurice Edmonds, who serves on the Committee, with DR. R. Burke (Chairman), Professor G. R. Kelman and Mike Covill. He says the Vice-Chancellor has provided funds for the University to make the move into the next phase of preventing RSI and getting sufferers back to work. Mr Edmonds says the University's main priority is to develop a positive approach to preventing RSI. As well as arranging educational sessions for keyboard operators, seminars will be held for Heads of Departments and other supervisors." This image was scanned from a photograph in the University's historical photographic collection held by Special Collections.

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