Posted By tomahawk
We are just embarking on (again) DSE assessments for all our staff and I wonder can anyone explain why none of the old fashioned typists I know ever experienced any form of medical problems. This is inspite of the fact that they typed at speed all day long, had to hit seven bells out of the keys and often had several sheets of carbon paper to make an impact on.

Is it that the medical problems weren't recognised then or that the sheer numbers of people now mean that more are likely to be affected. maybe they were trained better in correct posture etc - anyone any thoughts or experiences to prove me wrong ?

Posted By Lilian McCartney
style of keyboard, quicker use of keys, more use as don't stop to change paper, ribbon, carriage return, non-recognising of possible problems???

At school we had a teacher who smacked your hand with a ruler if you didn't sit 'straight' when typing. You had to have everything int he manner they described, doc holder etc and without knowing about RSI it was reduced.

I wonder if it could also be due to typing pools changing staff frequently, mostly female not staying at work (please note: not commenting on maternity leave - or lack of it then).

Posted By Lilian McCartney
the mice were the ones which ate your luch

Posted By Steve Cartwright
A lot of people have computers at home as well, increasing the risk of rsi.

Posted By BB
I always thought that the old style typing pools did cripple typists.

My dear old Mum had CTS for yonks but didn't like to make too much of a fuss.

They were tough in those days y'know!

Posted By Pete48
I knew that Carpal Tunnel Syndrome has been "around" for some time, I was amazed when I looked it up to find it was first identified in the 1850's as a medical condition!

If there is a lack of evidence of work related injury for then as compared to now, this is probably about the ever-improving links and understanding of the occupational causes for all sorts of medical conditions; increased awareness amongst the average person; greater population at risk. (if you accept the risk factors as given that is)

Posted By Pete48
Hi Kieran, interesting comment, thank you. Isn't the action of flipping the return carriage a form of repetitive work in itself, along with the "twiddle" (as my mum used to refer to it) to set the paper.
And I cannot imagine what language she would have used had she ever read the book that you refer to. Restful breaks and variety?
One reason she left the typing pool was the monotony and drudgery of constant typing to meet the deadlines.
My early memories also contain a vision of the "typing pool" full of very tetchy women who were constantly tapping away all day and had little time for anything else; especially a very junior lad who was inexplicably attracted to a room full of young woman!
Secretaries may have had some variety but typing pool?
Obviously just one example from my life experiences and nothing more. I don't doubt the contents of the book referenced or your comments. I do wonder if the Regs had appeared in 1952 instead of 1992 whether we would have seen occupational cases appearing earlier?

Posted By Taff2
Is it because those who can type - can read & are therefore more likely to bring a civil claim against the employer?!?

I spoke to the leading occupational health expert for a government enforcement authority - somewhere in Europe !! regarding ergonomics & he said that in 20 years time we will have created a working population too weak to perform routine tasks - this will lead to significant other social health issues.

Are we a fitter nation than 50 years ago? Or has the do-gooders reaping the rewards of lack of fore-sight?

All the laws are protecting the few - those that have a professional manager or EHS body - for all the others, we seem to ignore them or wait for civil claims.......