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3 August 2005 - Incorrect Positioning of
Laptops Led to Back Injuries
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Incorrect positioning of laptops within the vans of service
engineers working for Transco plc in the Cumbria and Tyne & Wear area have led
to back injuries and subsequent claims for compensation, now secured.
The laptops were fitted with a security wire, which was attached
to the passenger seat within the vehicles. Restriction was limited
and laptops could only be used by placing them on the passenger seat.
The bad posture scenarios resulted in back problems being created and
aggravation of any underlying back weaknesses for those who were required to use
the laptops frequently.
Employees who suffered back pain made their anxieties known to
Transco plc managers. Not only was no action taken to rectify the
situation, but the company refused to admit they were lacking in responsibility
when claims from a number of employees were made.
Mr. Michael Bray, a Solicitor involved in the case, commented:
"We obtained supportive medical evidence from a Neurosurgeon
confirming that the job had caused acceleration and/or aggravation of an
underlying back problem. Such cases of injury at work are very common, but many
cases never come to light because employees don't know who to turn to. Hopefully
this case will encourage others to turn to their union legal services team for
support."
Mr. Charles Turner, one of the claimants explained:
"To work in the van, I had to twist my body some 90 degrees
to the left to face the laptop which was chained to my passenger seat. The
laptop couldn't be lifted up and placed on my lap. The back pain I've suffered
is as a result of this regular over reaching, stretching and twisting."
The Health and Safety Executive have a webpage which provides
information on how to prevent or minimise MSD's, back pain etc and can be
accessed by clicking the following:
HSE and MSD
Article by Alexandra Johnston
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