Accident Claims Helpline - Repetitive Strain Injury

By: Accident Claims Helpline | Posted: 14th September 2010

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) can occur in a few different forms, the most common injuries are known as tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Vibration White Finger (VWF), although VWF can have different side effects due to the unique working conditions that cause the injury.

Repetitive strain injury is sometimes called Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD); and sufferers claim to have pain, swelling, tingling and stiffness which can appear to be associated with work processes that have caused repetitive strain in the upper limbs.

It's thought that up to two thirds of office workers suffer from RSI, yet many of them don't even realise that they could make a compensation claim for their injury.

Every responsible employer should encourage employees to take regular breaks from the keyboard, ensure that the seating and PC monitor is at the right height for comfortable operation, that wrist rests are available if wanted, that warnings are given about potential risks of RSI symptoms occurring, and that employees know to notify employers with the onset of repetitive strain injury symptoms immediately.

If these steps are not taken and an employee develops RSI symptoms from prolonged keyboard use, there may the possibility of making a repetitive strain injury claim for compensation.

Recent increases in RSI injury cases have occurred due to the increase in working on the move and laptop, PDA and BlackBerry use. With people now working on the train, on the bus or at home, they may not realise the RSI risks associated with prolonged use of these devices, which are amplified by their smaller and closer-situated buttons.

The effects of Repetitive Strain Injury are often more serious in such cases, compared to in a normal office environment, because the user's arms are often in unusual and uncomfortable positions, or they are using a laptop on their lap.
Some of the symptoms of RSI can become quite severe, resulting in inability to work and a compensation claim being made.
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Tags: stiffness, work processes, blackberry, working conditions, office environment, compensation claim, office workers, repetitive strain injury, pc monitor