Ergonomic course will help schools to protect the workforce of the future
London (PRWEB UK) 18 December 2013 -- AN exciting new e-learning course has been launched by Cardinus Risk Management to help keep young people safe from the health risks of poor posture, careless use of electronic devices and bad manual handling activity.
The past few years have seen a significant increase in the number of children showing signs of musculoskeletal disorder with more than 72 per cent of primary school children suffering back or neck pain in the last 12 months. An increasing number of children are requiring NHS treatment and taking medication.
Almost all of these problems can be attributed to the dramatic rise in children’s use of computers, smartphones, games consoles and iPad-style tablet devices. Poor posture when working and relaxing with technology is also a major contributing factor and the need to carry heavy school bags also plays its part.
Jon Abbott, managing director – ergonomics and safety at Cardinus Risk Management, said, “It’s important that we raise children’s awareness of the importance of healthy spine posture, at school and at home. The long-term benefits are many and varied; the cost of failing to address musculoskeletal problems in children could be high.
“School is a child’s place of work and the health and safety considerations that apply to adults in the respect of technology, seating, lifting and carrying, should also apply to children. They are also at risk from the bad habits they develop at home.
“Healthy Working MOVE will teach children how to stay comfortable and safe by using technology sensibly, sitting properly when working and relaxing and managing their school bags correctly.”
Healthy Working MOVE has been developed by Cardinus in association with Health and Safety Laboratory, an agency of the Health and Safety Executive, and is based on an award-winning training programme called Healthy Working that helps to protect adult workers around the world. The e-learning course uses engaging online activities to teach young people about the safe use of technology. There is a version for children under 12 years old and a version for the over-12s.
Jon Abbott added, “We all want to protect our children and spare them pain and discomfort, but as a successful business we also see them as the workforce of the future. By acting now to educate them about healthy working we are potentially preventing a catastrophic and expensive problem in years to come.
“The experience Cardinus has with its ergonomic training programmes for corporate clients worldwide, plus our close relationship with the Health and Safety Laboratory means we are in a great position to help protect children. Healthy Working MOVE is our first response to the problem and we have taken the decision to make it available free to education establishments across the country.”
Cardinus Risk Management has been developing effective display screen equipment (DSE) and ergonomics programmes since 1995. Its customers include many of the world’s leading organisations, central government departments and unions.
The Cardinus approach to effective DSE management is to apply simple programmes that provide a modular, adaptable solution. Healthy Working, the innovative online DSE assessment and e-learning solution, provides award-winning solutions that are fully endorsed by the International Institute of Risk and Safety Management.
Healthy Working MOVE takes all the expertise that went into Healthy Working and presents it in a format that young people will enjoy and that is available completely free of charge to all schools and colleges via the website at: http://www.ergo4students.com/. For more information, schools and colleges should telephone 020 7469 0200.
Notes to Editors
Cardinus directors, experts and consultants are available for interview and quotes on industry issues. The full range of Cardinus consultancy services can be seen on its website, http://www.cardinus.com or you can telephone 0207 469 0200 (UK) 1-866-966-3420 (US).
About Cardinus
Cardinus Risk Management is part of AmWINS Group, Inc. which has 70 locations across 17 countries, including 50 in the United States. With more than 2,000 employees, AmWINS is an amalgamation of more than 25 wholesale brokerage, underwriting and group benefit operations.
Cardinus provides online injury reduction solutions and risk management within the safety, fleet and property sectors. Established in 1995, it has an enviable track record of working with government and leading blue chip organizations. Cardinus provides solutions to customers across the United Kingdom, the US and worldwide. Solutions include 'Workstation Safety Plus' a software solution designed to reduce the risks associated with using DSE and ergonomics; a comprehensive fleet risk solution that combines in-vehicle driver training with online self-assessment; property solutions including fire risk surveys, asbestos assessment and a range of e-learning courses. Cardinus Environmental provides a range of services, including Environmental Essentials.
Cardinus Risk Management Limited, 4th Floor, 3 East Grinstead House, Wood Street, East Grinstead, West Sussex RH19 1UZ. Cardinus Risk Management Limited, 10 Flag Business Exchange, Vicarage Farm Road, Peterborough, Cambs PE1 5SL. For further information, please call Cardinus Risk Management Limited on 020 7469 0200 or email info(at)cardinus(dot)com.
Martyn Moore, UK NorthLight Media Ltd, +44 7768261276, [email protected]
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