Working in pain Tips on coping with occupational diseases by Adelaide Lau B ackache and neck pain are the most common occupational dis eases among office workers in Hong Kong. Miss Celina Lui, 42, is a clerk who suffers backache and neck pain after prolonged sitting on a typing chair. “Whenever I get tired, I usually stroll for a while and move around,” said Miss Lui. Dr. David Lee Ka-yan, vice-president of The Hong Kong Medical Association, said, “Efficiency is increased if office workers can sit comfortably. “They are reminded to sit straight with the help of a footstool which allows their feet rest comfortably on.” Mr. Victor Chan Ngai Man, a physiotherapist, said, “When office workers start to feel painful after sitting for a long time, they should sit properly. They have to rest more.” Besides, Mr. Chan said that mattresses should not be too hard. They should be about one to two inches thick. An S-shaped backbone should be fully supported while sleeping. Both Dr. Lee and Mr. Chan agreed that cushions are important for supporting the lumbar, which is the lower part of the back. Back pain can thereby be reduced. A health guide concerning the use of computers issued by the Labour Department points out that making proper adjustment of chair height can lower the chance of getting occupational diseases. Short and frequent breaks are important. Besides, improper lightness also causes occupational diseases. Said Dr. Lee: “Light which is given out by fluorescent lamps makes our eyes get tired easily. Working in an environment which is either too bright or too dim is not good for us. “Office workers must not work on computers for too long because the light from the monitors may strain our eyes.” According to Green Cross magazine, a consultant of Occupational Safety and Health Council said that shadows and glare are main sources of eye strain. This can be reduced by putting a piece of black paper on the desk. Besides, some occupational diseases are caused by air and noise pollution. Dr. Lee said, “Passive smokers in offices may suffer bronchitis and the chance of having cancer increases. “Besides, photocopiers produce some chemicals which are harmful. Photocopiers have to be put inside a room isolated from the general offices.” For noise pollution, Mr. Chan said that it irritates office workers. The noise level in offices should be about 45 to 55 decibels. This is similar to an ordinary conversation. Said Mr. Chan, “In Hong Kong, doctors determine whether office workers who suffer from occupational diseases require physiotherapy. “Patients are advised to take anti-inflammation drugs if they get backache or neck pain. If they get stomachache after taking the drugs, they are usually sent to physiotherapists,” said Mr. Chan. According to Mr. Chan, usually, treatment for relieving pain will be given every other day for two to three weeks. For serious cases, everyday treatment has to be given. Mr. Chan said, “It may take three to six months if the patients want to get rid of the pain completely, provided that they do regular muscle-strengthening exercises. “Some believe that the use of Chinese tincture which works with massage is useful to relieve pain. Yet, there is no scientific evidence to support this.” Concluded Dr. Lee: “Regular exercises plays an important role in preventing occupational diseases and maintaining good health.” Air-conditioners as potential killers by Adelaide Lau “The use of air-conditioners may lead to Legionnaires’ disease,” said Dr. David Lee Ka-yan, vice-president of The Hong Kong Medical Association. According to “Code of Practice: Prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease”, Legionnaires’ disease was first discovered in July 1976 when an outbreak occurred among delegates attending an American Legion Convention in Philadelphia. One hundred and eighty-two cases were reported and 34 people died. After medical investigations, it was determined that the responsible bacterium of the disease was previously unknown and was subsequently given the name Legionella pneumophila. They are widespread in natural water sources and have been found in rivers, lakes, streams, mud, soil as well as man-made water systems. Initial symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease include pneumonia, high fever, chills, headache and muscle pain. According to Dr. Arthur Wong Kam Hay, secretary of the Prevention of Legionnaires’ Disease Committee, Legionnaires’ disease cannot be transmitted through social contact. Said Dr. Wong: “The disease can only be contracted by inhaling droplets which contain viable Legionella bacteria from the water cooling towers of air-conditioning systems.” Mr. Lau Kwok Fan, a senior building services engineer in the Electrical and Mechanical Department, said, “The locations of all the fresh water cooling towers in Hong Kong have been lodged into an electronic map. “Whenever cases of Legionnaires’ disease are reported, we can trace the location of the problematic fresh water cooling tower. The spread of the disease can therefore be controlled.” The disease has an incubation period of 10 to 14 days. There were only three cases reported in Hong Kong in which one patient died last year. Dr. Roland Leung Chung Chuen, a lecturer in the Department of Medicine at The Chinese University of Hong Kong, said, “Legionella pneumophila may be circulated around the space in offices when the air-conditioners are turned on. People inhaling them may get chest infection.” "Referring to “A Reference Note on Ventilation and Maintenance of Ventilation Systems” issued by the Labour Department, poorly-designed ventilation systems may induce irritability among office workers and impair concentration and performance of them. Said Dr. Leung, “For respiratory diseases, surgery is never a part of the treatment. “Respiratory diseases can kill if a person suffers a severe one.”