A SOUTHAMPTON firm at the heart of the battle to prevent office workers suffering RSI has held the first workshop of its kind in the region.

More than 20 delegates from public and private sectors across the south, representing tens of thousands of employees, took part in a two-hour seminar at Keytools' new headquarters in Southamp-ton.

Professionals attended from local authorities, universities, colleges, the NHS, law firms and private practice physiotherapists to hear how to minimise the risk of developing the debilitating condition.

RSI, or repetitive strain injury, is a loose group of conditions resulting from overuse of a tool such as a computer keyboard and mouse, guitar or knife, or other activity that requires repeated movements.

Keytools makes using computers easier and more comfortable for office workers, the disabled and children through products ranging from oversized keyboards to a head-controlled mouse.

Sales manager Phil Guest said: "We were oversubscribed with requests to attend our inaugural workshop, which is believed to be the first of its kind in the region and which we intend hosting again due to demand.

"The event was borne out of the increased awareness by industry of the costly problems caused by debilitating repetitive strain injury.

"RSI is now a burning issue for companies, especially in these days of health and safety compliance, and our record order books reflect that."

Keytools, which has 23 staff, moved into two-storey Abacus House in Portswood late last year after outgrowing split-site premises nearby. Clients include Hampshire County Council and Dorset County Council.