Typing Skills in schools to prevent RSI epidemic

In 2004/5 an estimated 375,000 people suffered from a musculoskeletal disorder affecting the upper limbs or neck that was caused or made worse by their current or past work. RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) is easily preventable if employers undertake a risk assessment and provide proper ergonomic equipment and working methods for staff. However, most employers are not undertaking such specific risk assessments, according to the TUC. One of the causes of RSI is the large number of "two-fingered typists" who use computers for a considerable part of their working day without any proper keyboard training. The extra force and position of the hands when employees type using only two fingers, makes the degree of strain worse. Unfortunately, few employers even think of providing training for their staff on this very  important workplace skill. mhl encourages all clients to undertake and or complete risk assessments in this regard.

TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber said: "Despite the reality that most people are more likely these days to use a computer to write a document than a pen, school children are not routinely being taught how to type. Keyboard skills are not a statutory part of the National Curriculum, although individual schools can decide to introduce them. This means that millions of children are missing out on a life skill that could help protect the workforce of tomorrow from this painful and chronic illness. The Government should introduce touch typing and keyboard skills into the National Curriculum as soon as possible."