A computer-related health epidemic known as repetitive strain injury (RSI) is rampant in Australia and threatens to overwhelm the workers' compensation system. RSI is a label given to a variety of painful, debilitating conditions believed to be caused by repetitive movements of the hands or arms. In Australia, the latest wave of RSI complaints is centered among female office workers who develop symptoms as a result of extensive typing at computer keyboards. In an analysis of this epidemic, we examine the nature of R S l and its known correlates with individual health and personality, ergonomics of computing, and work context. Based on available evidence, we speculate as to the reasons for the emergence of RSI in Australia. We argue that RSI is an extreme illustration of how the social context of work and technological change defines and influences the nature of health problems. A Day in My Life Here I am-lost at 33. Wondering where to go, wondering what to do Totally ostracised by my peers-feeling hopeless, As I tread the windmill of my life. So many thoughts to express-where to start Start with the pain-aU encompassing so that I don't know how to alleviate i t-To sit, to stand, to do something to make it go away. Sometimes I feel like cutting. Yes cutting it off-Being limbless, being nothing. Take a pill-kill the pain My independence, so valued, so wanted, has slipped away. Nothing for me but carefulness. Days stretching forever, unending. Careful stretching my arms, Careful putting on my clothes. Careful turning a tap. Careful drones on and on-infinite in my thoughts. Wearing splints, spoiling my appearance 'What's wrong, broken your wrist?' Given up explaining-no one wants to know. Australian paper on the mystery of America's back problems.
