All manner of occupations can be responsible for repetitive strain injury (RSI): computer operators, manual workers, and today’s new breed of office workers who are often forced to work on tablets and smartphones. And now it seems even those in charge of the country are suffering from the condition too as new research has revealed MPs may also be at risk from constantly shaking hands.
During the recent Scottish referendum, then First Minister Alex Salmond was seen wearing a foam wrist support when out campaigning to counter the effects of shaking hands with people. Estimates state Mr Salmond shook the hands of thousands of people as he would often spend 15 hours or so meeting voters, business leaders and other politicians.
It is not the first time politicians have been associated with RSI as advice was given to candidates in the US presidential race as far back as 2004. Tips to avoid “handshake fatigue” included swapping between the left and right hand, putting arms around shoulders to avoid a handshake and even putting their wrists in a false splint to discourage vigorous hand shakers. And in 1977 the mayor of Atlantic City – Joseph Lazarow – carried out over 11,000 handshakes in one day to set a world record. Brothers Dinesh and Pawan Timilsina, from Nepal, put themselves at risk from RSI when they shook hands for 42 hours and 35 minutes.
The act of shaking hands can lead to RSI if too many are done in a short timeframe, and members of parliament usually have a firm handshake which can cause additional strain on the wrist. Tendons can become inflamed which can mean placing the arm in a sling until healed. Signs of RSI of the wrist include not being to write or clean teeth without feeling pain in the arm. Damage is not usually permanent and people will recover fully in most cases but it can be irreversible if severe enough and proper treatment is not sought.
Repetitive strain injuries are defined by the NHS as the pain felt in muscles, nerves and tendons caused by repetitive movement or overuse, and calls the injuries work-related upper limb disorder. The condition is caused by a number of factors including carrying out high intensity activities without rest for too long and poor posture. Stress and cold conditions can add to the situation.
Common examples of RSI are carpal tunnel syndrome, which affects the wrist, tennis elbow and back pain from poorly positioned workstations. New conditions such as text neck, blackberry thumb and iPad hand have developed as office workers have come to rely more on technology away from the office.
Many places of work are now required by law to have workplace assessors on site who can advise workers how to correctly position their computers, desks and chairs to minimise RSI. Ergonomic equipment is available too.
Mr Salmond’s condition has been compared to that experienced by cleaners and painters and decorators due to him making similar movements many times during the day.
Have you suffered with RSI as a result of your job and need legal representation? We can help. Give us a call on 0800 028 2060 to speak to a member of our team or visit our dedicated website www.repetitive-straininjury.co.uk. You can also request a call back at a time convenient for you here.