Repetitive Strain Injury is a “potentially debilitating condition resulting from overusing the hands to perform a repetitive task such as typing, clicking a mouse, or writing”. Fine hand movements, repeated hour after hour eventually strain the muscles and tendons of the forearms, wrists and fingers. This can cause microscopic tears in the muscles that can lead them to contract, decreasing the range of movements available for stress-free work.
How to prevent the damage
There are a variety of actions you can take to minimise the risk of developing RSI.
- Get an ergonomically designed workstation. These are available from many outlets and can make a big difference to your comfort while working.
- Check your posture; slouching puts you at a higher risk of developing RSI and back problems later in life.
- Check your typing position. If you spend long hours at the keyboard look into how altering your position can improve comfort and minimise the risk of injury.
- Take regular breaks. Just like when exercising, the body needs frequent rest periods between exertion.
- Exercise regularly; keeping your general health in check makes keeping your muscles in good shape far easier.
- If you feel tense at your work you are more likely to put strain on your body – don’t forget to take time out occasionally.
What are your employer’s responsibilities?
While it is not always practical for employers to provide state-of-the-art workstations, they do have a responsibility to reduce the risks of any employee suffering unnecessarily. By taking heed of the points outlined above, it is in an employer’s interest to ensure that their workers are comfortable at their work, and as a result are less likely to take time off work for injuries sustained through poor working practices.
Have you developed RSI from your job?
If you have developed a repetitive strain injury through your employment and you feel that your employer was responsible you should first contact your GP to see what treatments are available to minimise the discomfort. After that you should contact one of our highly trained solicitors. They have years of experience in dealing with these kinds of cases and will swiftly be able to tell you if you are eligible to make a claim for compensation, and if so how much that claim might be worth.