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Workers tied to desk for 97 mins on average before taking a break
Oct 17, 2005, 19:15, Reviewed by: Dr.
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In an online poll of 1905 British workers aged over 18 (1), more than two thirds of respondents (70 per cent) say they have experienced pain in their back, neck or upper limbs as a result of sitting at their desk or workstation (see notes below for regional breakdown and more info).
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By Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP),
New statistics on the incidence of back pain among workers have been released today (17 October) by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), along with advice on preventing bad backs to mark National Back Care Awareness Week 2005 (17 - 23 October).
And while physiotherapists recommend people take a break from their workstations every 20 mins, the poll, carried out by YouGov for the CSP, shows that most respondents are chained to their desks for 97 minutes or more at a time - about five times longer than suggested. 23 per cent do not get up for a quick break for three hours or more, while five per cent remain seated for over six hours.
Help on how to avoid common work-related aches and pains is now available from the CSP in a new leaflet entitled Fit to Work and exercises recommended by chartered physiotherapists. CSP Chair of Council Sarah Bazin said: 'Back pain is still rife in the workplace, resulting in sickness absence and reduced performance. Many cases could easily be prevented, which would save money for businesses. Physiotherapists know that back pain and other work-related upper-limb disorders can become debilitating if left untreated. Physiotherapists are best placed to advise employees and employers on how they can be avoided. Staying active is key to preventing back pain and aiding recovery. With more and more of us in sedentary occupations, it is vital that employers and the government prioritise the health of the workforce by investing in thorough risk assessments and swift access to rehabilitation services.'
Latest figures show that almost 5 million working days were lost through bad backs in 2003/4. On average each sufferer took about 20 days off in that period (2).
YouGov plc carried out an online poll representative of all GB adults between October 11 and 13 2005. The sample size of the main poll was 2,688. When retired and non-working were excluded, the remaining sample consisted of 1905 GB workers. Key findings were:
* Regional incidence - people who have experienced discomfort in their neck, back, shoulders, wrists or forearms as a result of sitting at their workstation/desk
1. London 77 per cent
2. North 69 per cent
3. Scotland 68 per cent
4. Midlands & Wales 67 per cent
5. Rest of South 65 per cent
* Male / Female
o 75 per cent of female respondents say they have experienced discomfort in their neck, back, shoulders, wrists or forearms as a result of sitting at their workstation/desk
o 65 per cent of male respondents say they have experienced discomfort in their neck, back, shoulders, wrists or forearms as a result of sitting at their workstation/desk 
- Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), UK
Fit to Work Leaflet
For a free copy of the leaflet, send a stamped self-addressed envelope to 'Fit to Work', The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, 14 Bedford Row, London WC1R 4ED.
(1) YouGov plc carried out an online poll representative of all GB adults between October 11 and 13 2005. The sample size of the main poll was 2,688. When retired and non-working were excluded, the remaining sample consisted of 1905 GB workers.
(2) See the factfile on the backcare website at http://www.backcare.org.uk/backhealth/yourback/factfile
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy is the professional, educational and trade union body for the country's 43,000 chartered physiotherapists, physiotherapy students and assistants.
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