Effects of an episode of intensive keying on data process operators

In 1983, as part of a larger study, a group of data process operators (DPOs) were observed before and after a period of intensive keying activity. At the initial visit, each DPO completed a questionnaire, measurements were made of posture and relationship with the furniture, and a medical interview and examination were carried out. The 6‐day period of intense keying occurred 1 week before the second visit, when the interview and examination were repeated. There was a marked increase in the frequency of occurrence of symptoms of pain and signs of tenderness and hardening in the muscles of the forearm. This effect persisted at a third visit 6 weeks later, when only 9 of the original 14 DPOs were still employed. Symptoms in the shoulder‐neck region were relatively constant during this period. This episode demonstrated that increased job demand leading to increased or constant keying rates appears to result in almost universal occurrence of symptoms. Prevention of repetition injury must include attention to workflow as well as ergonomic factors.