When did you last have a 'workstation assessment'?

Healthier backs charity BackCare said its survey, commissioned in partnership with office suppliers Fellowes, had shown that over half (53%) of UK office workers were unaware that workstation assessments were a legal requirement.

As many as 36% had never had a formal assessment, with a further 12% admitting their last assessment took place so long ago they could no longer remember the advice they were given.

BackCare said that with over three quarters of employees claiming they would consider taking legal action against their employer over a workplace injury, businesses could no longer afford to ignore the issue.

The charity has launched a new website - www.ergonomix.info - where people can complete a short interactive workstation assessment to identify potential "hot-spots" and to view advice on prevention.

Dr Dries Hettinga of BackCare, said: "If you are experiencing any form of discomfort, speak up! You might be entitled to a different chair or simple additions to your workstation - and if your employer feels that they cannot provide more than basic equipment, you might be eligible for government assistance through the 'Access to Work' scheme. There is definitely no reason to continue working uncomfortably."

Working comfortably?

Louise Shipley, head of ergonomics at Fellowes, added: "With the majority of our work now being computer based, and many of us having computers at home as well as at work, we are spending much longer at a computer and more time working than not.

"This, coupled with poor posture and repetitive movement, can cause strain to many parts of the body, including backs, necks and wrists.

"Back pain and other musculoskeletal disorders can be prevented by conducting a computer workstation assessment and by taking simple steps to ensure that you are working comfortably."

BackCare said office workers could improve their posture and increase comfort by following a few simple steps. These included having the computer monitor at the correct height and using a fully adjustable office chair, allowing movement to both height and tilt.

In addition, it warned that the human body was not designed to sit for long periods, even in the best posture, so office workers needed to "get up and move around".

"Shift your position often - at least every 45 minutes, every 20 minutes is even better - and stretch," said a spokeswoman.