01/02/2009
campaign to prevent repetitive strain injuries on International RSI Day 2009
Kensington, the mobile computing accessories provider, is offering practical solutions to workplace RSI (repetitive strain injuries) in 2009. Organisations are encouraged to use this year’s International RSI Awareness Day, on February 28, as an opportunity to ensure staff are equipped with the right ergonomic solutions to prevent common RSI complaints.
In order to help demystify ergonomics, Kensington has created the SmartFit™ system. Based on US army research, it uses the size of the individual’s hand to find the best height for their screen, while easy colour coding simplifies device installation. SmartFit™ is included in all of Kensington’s laptop stands, including the Notebook Stand with USB Hub (60723EU).
Kensington’s solutions for preventing RSI include the Dual Monitor Arm (K60900EU), for holding screen in the best position. The SoleMassage Footrest (56155EU), Memory Gel Wrist Rests (62403) and Mouse Pads (62404) also make work more comfortable.
George Foot, Vice President Kensington Europe, said: “RSI is often caused in the by maintaining awkward positions over a long period, as people do in an office environment. This causes damage to muscles, nerves and tendons, and it can seriously affect working practices. RSI Day reminds employers, individuals and governmental organisations to re-evaluate their risk assessments and take preventative action in order to reduce hazardous practices at work. An important part of this is improving workstation ergonomics and ensuring that laptop users are suitably equipped to prevent them sitting hunched over the machine all day.”
Kensington recommends the following tactics to reduce the risk of RSI at the workstation:
- Build regular breaks into your working day, balancing desk work, material reviewing and computer work, so you don’t spend hours in front of your screen
- Ensure that the top of your screen is at eye level and at a comfortable angle – whether it’s a desktop or a laptop
- Set a reminder on your desktop to wriggle your wrists and fingers every half an hour – it’s easy to forget how long they’ve been in the same position. Wrist rests can also help
- Roll your shoulders back and sit up straight – you may soon slump down again, but trying to put it right once an hour will begin to encourage better posture
- If back pain is already a problem, consider using a foot rest and ergonomic chair. You should sit at arms’ length away from your screen.
Notes to editors
About Kensington
Kensington is a leading provider of desktop and mobile device accessories, trusted by IT, educators, business and home office professionals around the world for more than 35 years. Kensington products empower people to dynamically interact with content, creating a better working experience for productive performance. In both office and mobile environments, Kensington’s extensive portfolio of award-winning products provides trusted security, desktop productivity innovations, and ergonomic well-being. Our core competencies in engineering, industrial design, product quality and responsive customer support make Kensington The Professionals’ Choice™.
Headquartered in San Mateo, California, Kensington operates as the technology division of ACCO Brands (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded business, academic and consumer products, sold in more than 100 countries across the globe.
Kensington is the inventor and worldwide leader in laptop security locks, the acknowledged leader of Trackball innovation and offers a broad range of premium-branded desktop productivity solutions.