FPB warns - ignore RSI at your peril

With a Chartered Society of Physiotherapy study revealing that nearly half a million workers now have RSI, the Forum of Private Business is warning of the dire financial implications.

Firms could end up with a painful bill if they do not do more to prevent their staff falling victim to RSI - the repetitive strain injury caused by working conditions.

With a latest study by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy revealing that nearly half a million workers now have RSI, the Forum of Private Business (FPB) is warning companies of the dire financial implications.

"Not only can RSI in staff lower productivity and profits, it can also be used as the basis for a costly claim by an employee for compensation against a firm," said FPB spokesman Rex Garratt.

The Forum of Private Business, which champions the case for more than 25,000 private firms across the UK, helps firms from falling victim to compensation claims with special guides covering staff health and safety, as well as liabilities under employment law.

FPB member Nick Thornton, financial manager of Shropshire-based Mendoza UK, purveyor of hot roasted nuts to the catering and pub trade, said: "I have found FPB guidance over health and safety and employment law essential in helping to avoid the pitfalls associated with a firm's responsibilities towards the health and well being of employees." * About the FPB - The Forum of Private Business (FPB) was formed in 1977 and is a pressure group fighting on behalf of private businesses.

The FPB represents approximately 25,000 UK-based businesses employing in excess of 600,000 people, and is a powerful lobbying voice in both the UK and the European Union.

The FPB, as the only full UK member of UEAPME - the organisation that represents small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Europe - is the most prominent advocate of UK SMEs in Brussels and has a track record of positively affecting legislation prior to its introduction in the UK.

The FPB also provides a range of business services aimed at increasing member efficiency and profitability.

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