Basic office activities involve sitting in front of a computer terminal and operating it by means of typing or moving a mouse. Still, no matter how harmless these activities may seem, they do set the stage for injuries that can develop over time. While these activities are not particularly hazardous for a worker who does them only occasionally, the situation becomes more critical for those who have no choice but to sit in front of a computer screen and type for long periods every working day. As a rule they develop over time from a variety of factors.
Some factors are strictly work-related and beyond the workers' control.
On the other hand, the workers themselves can have some control on other factors, such as their individual work practices. Other things like body build, age, gender, some diseases, types of personality and attitudes can also contribute to RMIs. No matter that such factors may be beyond any control, becoming aware of them is nevertheless important. Because the human body was designed to move, it cannot tolerate immobility for long. Merely sitting at a desk for long times can be unhealthy and damaging to the musculoskeletal system.