THE modern workplace may not be as dangerous as in the era of Victorian sweatshops, but today's workers are still at risk of injury.

Work-related rheumatic complaints can affect everyone.

Workers on repetitive factory shifts, employees whose work revolves around keyboards and computers, and even musicians who regularly plan an instrument can develop repetitive strain in the arms, wrists and shoulders.

Cleaners can get housemaid's knee, and mothers with babies and small children may strain themselves by awkward and heavy lifting. Leading medical and research charity The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council is now offering a free leaflet, giving you help and advice to people with work-related rheumatic complaints.

Written by a rheumatologist, it explains how to recognise a work-related problem, and suggests various self-help methods and drug treatments.

Anyone who would like a copy should write to the address below, enclosing a 9x6 SAE.

PETRA GOLDSMITH, ARC, PO Box 177, Chesterfield, Derbyshire, S41 7TD.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.