Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries

Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries

The risk of developing a repetitive strain injury (RSI) in the workplace can be dramatically reduced by introducing a number of measures to ensure a safe working environment.

First, it needs to be determined if it is possible to eliminate the hazard completely. Consider the following questions:

• Can the task be carried out in a different way?
• Can protective measures be put in place?
• Can the tools used for the task be replaced or substituted for others which carry no risk?
• Can the task be automated so that there is no human risk?

If the risk associated with the task cannot be removed completely, it is important to put sufficient measures in place to minimise the risk.

Modifications which may prevent the onset of a repetitive strain injury include:

• Redesigning the task. Here you should consider if the provision of particular furniture, equipment or tools are necessary or if they put a worker at greater risk. It is also important to consider the human element and if job rotation or automating the task could be beneficial in reducing the risk of a worker developing a repetitive strain injury (RSI).
• Changing the working environment to reduce the risk associated with a particular task. This includes things like changing the heating, ventilation and level of lighting so that the task can be carried out accurately with the maximum level of light. Review of the organisation as a whole may also be beneficial and introducing regular breaks.
• Training and providing workers with particular information so that they can carry out the task with minimum risk. Employers should also ensure that all staff are aware of the signs and symptoms of repetitive strain injuries (RSI) and the control measures that should be in place. Any signs and symptoms should be reported to the employer as soon as they arise.