Computer Workers at Risk.

The computer work force is at significant risk from repetitive stress injuries including carpal tunnel syndrome and low back injuries. According to a study by Office Organix in Montauk, N.Y., three common types of workplace risks were identified: poor work space layout, unhealthy postural habits, and unenlightened worker attitudes about office comfort.

"What is clear is that even with OSHA legislation and big corporations with ergonomic training programs, the overall workforce is still ill trained, ill equipped, and dangerously at risk," says Michael Grossman, president of Office Organix. "Stress injuries cost real dollars, the personal pain is real, and lost productivity is real."

Poor equipment placement headed the high-risk list. Two-thirds of the 7,000 respondents improperly locate computer monitors, forcing neck and shoulder strain. Fifty-three percent experience monitor glare from office lights or window glare, and 60.9 percent experience symptoms of computer vision syndrome, including blurred vision, dry burning eyes, delayed focus, or altered color perceptions. And 62.9 percent report suffering wrist pains from computer work.

Poor office equipment was also a noted factor. Almost 16 percent sit in a chair with no height adjustment, and most chairs lacked active or passive lumbar support. Seventy-eight percent of those surveyed did not use a foot rest.

Workplace attitudes were flagged as a problem. Almost 36 percent believed that a comfortable office was an oxymoron, and half of respondents reported that they had a tendency to lose themselves in computer work, ignoring advice to take frequent stretch and eye breaks.