Workers who spend long periods at workstations and who may be at risk through poor posture can now get help from their smartphones.

Cardinus Risk Management has developed a software app to provide iPhone and Android users with essential ergonomic advice and simple, fun stretching exercises. The app, called Healthyworking+, is designed to promote well-being and reduce the risk of injury to office workers.

Musculoskeletal disorders such as back pain and aches in the neck and shoulders affect thousands of people and work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) account for almost half of all occupational diseases. Often these problems can be avoided by correctly setting-up chairs, desks and computers, and following simple advice. Stretching exercises go even further to promote well-being.

Healthyworking+ contains valuable advice about seating and posture, including how to adjust your chair and correct working heights for desks and computer monitors. The exercise section contains 19 instructional videos demonstrating a range of stretches designed to keep backs, shoulders, necks, arms and wrists free from strain and injury.

Jon Abbott, managing director – ergonomics and safety at Cardinus Risk Management, said, “Our Healthyworking+ app provides a great way for individuals to stay healthy. Cardinus has been helping businesses to manage ergonomic risk for 12 years, so we have a wealth of experience in the subject. To be able to share some of this knowledge with everybody is very exciting. This simple to use app provides hints and tips to set up your workstation correctly and a library of stretching exercises to help relax the affected part of your body.

“All the Healthyworking+ exercises are demonstrated using videos from our award-winning ergonomics software, Workstation Safety Plus. Each exercise is supported by a written description to ensure you fully understand the stretch before starting it.”

Healthyworking+ from Cardinus is free to download from the Apple AppStore and Android Market now. For more information about ergonomic risk management services and other Cardinus products telephone 020 7469 0200.