BlackBerry thumb is the new health hazard that is spreading in the world as people are getting more advanced and tech savvy. Till now, tennis elbow, writer's block and athlete's foot were major problems. Now, most employers globally are a bit worried about the BlackBerry thumb issues.
Simply put, "BlackBerry Thumb" is caused due to excessive usage of hand held devices like cell phones. The repetitive strain injury is caused by over usage of cell phones for texting and sending emails. The issue is that even when people are out of office they are still communicating through cell phones non stop.
Employers are troubled over the fact that most of their employees use cell phones for work related purposes and end up getting the BlackBerry thumb. They are afraid it is just a matter of time and soon employers can expect series of lawsuits from staff claiming for compensation for BlackBerry thumb as a result of extreme usage of mobile phones and handsets for office work even when they are on the go.
Since people are getting aware of the health hazards much more these days this is very much possible.
Anyway, the treatment for BlackBerry thumb can be long. In some cases a surgery is also required. But people say it is best to use other fingers too while texting rather than just putting the pressure on the thumb all the time. Also, try to not use the phone for too long
I heard about the BlackBerry thumb before also but the people who were suffering from it here were those who love to stay connected 24-7 on social networking sites. In fact, when they were suffering from it they even updated their Facebook status to inform the world about that too of course through their BlackBerry.
Yes, abroad this could become a health hazard for which employers can get sued but in our part of the world it is mostly a result of virtual socializing, which people deny they are into. In fact, here in Pakistan I guess the hazard would not be the BlackBerry thumb but instead an addiction to social networking yet the denial syndrome that we are pretty active on social networking front. In my opinion, our national hazard is the Denial Syndrome.
