Repetitive Strain Injury
A repetitive strain injury (RSI), also called cumulative trauma disorder (CTD), occupational overuse syndrome, or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD), is any of a loose group of conditions resulting from overuse of a tool, eg. computer or knife, or other activity that requires repeated movements. It is a syndrome that affects muscles, tendons and nerves in the hands, arms and upper back.
Medically accepted conditions are when a group of muscle is kept very tensed for a long period of time due to poor posture.
There are mainly two groups of workers who may suffer from RSI.
Group one, usually those who are involved in factory or production
work, food processing, working on rapid moving conveyor lines,
assembly of other goods, heavy goods handling, and work that
requires fast movement but not necessarily require handling any
heavy materials. The other group is users of computer components
such as mouse and keyboard. Most works that require extended hours
of using mouse and keyboard irrespective of the job role could cause
RSI.
Symptom
Symptoms of RSI can vary from person to person but the most common symptom is pain. Pain from RSI is experienced while carrying the specific task that causes it. There are many different symptoms of RSI but the following may be a sign of RSI.
- Recurring pain or soreness in neck, shoulders, upper back, wrists or hands.
- Tingling, numbness, coldness or loss of sensation.
- Loss of grip strength, lack of endurance, weakness.
- Muscles in the arms and shoulders feel hard and wiry when palpated.
- Pain or numbness while lying in bed. Often early stage RSI
sufferers mistakenly think they are lying on their arms in an
awkward position cutting off circulation.
Diagnosis
Unfortunately there are no tests that can be carried out to confirm RSI. Since pain in a certain area could be caused by numerous factors. It could be from carrying out a lot of DIY work or lifting heavy articles. Another factor that makes it difficult to diagnose RSI is that the pains tend to go away after the tasks that cause RSI has been stopped.
Doctors or GPs may diagnose carpal tunnel syndrome using X-Ray but this sort of diagnosis is rare.
Prevention
Symptoms for repetitive strain injury (RSI) can ease over time. To prevent the development of RSI, or relieve your symptoms, you need to review particular aspects of your lifestyle. For example, if you take part in regular sporting activities remember to warm up before you start, and cool down afterwards.
Aspects of your working environment are likely to have the most impact on your RSI. For example:
- If you work at a computer all day, make sure your seat, keyboard, mouse, and screen are positioned so that they cause you the least amount of strain to your fingers, hands, wrists, neck and back.
- Sit at your desk with a good posture. Adjust your chair so that your forearms are horizontal with the desk, and that your eyes are the same height as the top of your computer screen.
- If you do a repetitive task at work try to take plenty of regular breaks. It is better to take more frequent smaller breaks than just one long break at lunch.
- Speak to your employer if there is anything relating to your working environment that you feel could be improved. It is in their interest to ensure they do everything possible to help prevent or ease your RSI. You may also find if beneficial to speak to your employer's occupational health advisers for further assistance and advice.
RSI related Compensation Law
In order to qualify for compensation RSI claims must use same elements of negligence that apply to other occupational injury claims. Typically the following would be involved.
- No risk assessment was carried out before exposing employees to such working conditions.
- Employer was aware of or knew that the employee was exposed to risk.
- The employer failed to rectify the risk elements after being notified.
- Injury was caused due to carrying out the work needed to be carried out by employee for the employers.
As always there are numerous claims solicitors and no win no fee lawyers around who may be able to take a good look at your case before deciding the claim process.
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