Repetitive Strain Injury prevention

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is a preventable disability which is caused by carrying out repetitive tasks. The condition is also made worse by poor posture, stress and over work.

RSI is an ‘umbrella’ term used to describe various other medical conditions such as:

Tenosynovitis
Tendinnitis
Epicondylitis
Cramp of the Hand
Frozen Shoulder
Cervical Spondylitis
Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Tarsal Tunnel Syndrome

Helping to prevent Repetitive Strain Injury
Prevention is always better than cure, which is why it's important for employer’s to assess and make sure employee’s have good working conditions. For example, if the work involves a computer workstation, a ‘VDU risk assessment’ must be carried out:

Posture - assess workstation and seating position
Practicing good posture is very important for the prevention of RSI. Anything that creates an awkward reach, position or angle for the body can create problems. For example, moving tools within easy reach can help to create fewer awkward positions for the body.

Other preventative measures include:

Foam wrist support supports
The use of a quality foam wrist/palm rest can prevent Repetitive Strain Injury.

Stretch to warm up and warm down muscles
Keeping the body warm, including your hands, is very important. Cold muscles are less flexible and much more susceptible to injury and strain from overuse.

Take a short break every 20 minutes
The Health and Safety Executive Regulations for working with computers or Visual Display Units (VDU’s) state that the employer must ensure employees have adequate breaks and;
- Breaks should be taken before the onset of fatigue, not in order to recuperate
- Breaks should be included in working time
- Short breaks for 5-10 minutes every 50-60 minutes are more satisfactory than occasional longer breaks
- Breaks should be taken away from the screen where possible.
- Practice relaxation

Stress results in high blood pressure, restricting blood flow, and muscle tension, all increasing the risk of RSI. Stress can be minimized by exercising a minimum of 3 times a week for half an hour. By quitting smoking and reducing caffeine, this can also help to reduce stress.

Anyone who overuses their muscles in their arms and hands repeatedly may develop RSI. These can range from workers on factory assembly lines to musicians and cleaners. It's only since office work has become such a prominent part of everyday life that it has had more media exposure.

Leading personal injury solicitors
If you are suffering a Repetitive Strain Injury due to poor working conditions or employer negligence, our personal injury solicitors can help you by arranging compensation and treatment for your RSI. We have many years experience in work related injury or illness claims including claims for:

Asbestos related illnesses (e.g. asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural plaques, pleural thickening)
Vibration White Finger
Amputation claims

Click here for more information about our personal injury solicitors…

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We work on a completely no cost - no win, no fee basis which means there is no financial outlay or risk to our clients. Win or lose, you will not have to make any payment from your own pocket. If you win your legal costs will be paid by your opponent. If you lose, you will be fully protected from all costs. We will also not take any deductions from your compensation*. See no win, no fee for more information…

Call us now on 0808 144 0043 to discuss your Repetitive Strain Injury, or complete the claim assessment form opposite and we’ll get straight back to you.

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