It's official: IT makes you ill

Technology-related illness is on the rise in UK offices, according to a report published on Monday.

The survey, conducted by Norwich Union Healthcare, questioned personnel directors and doctors in the UK, and showed that most respondents are expecting a big rise in the number of cases of stress, repetitive strain injury (RSI), bad backs and eye strain over the next ten years.

Forty three per cent of personnel directors believe new technology is causing the increase in complaints. A spokeswoman for Norwich Union said: "More and more people are sitting at terminals, causing RSI and eyestrain from looking at VDUs.

"Illness costs British business £11bn and 197 million lost working days each year, according to CBI figures," she added. "People need to re-evaluate their approach to occupational health."

For a free fact sheet on how to minimise office illness call Norwich Union on 0800 122 847.