Repetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive Strain Injury

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a type of injury that is caused when a muscle in the body becomes damaged due to over-using it. The most common cause of such an injury is using a computer in the work place. Working in an office is what some of us probably think of as the safest place to work – but it can in fact cause an RSI injury.

Some of us may think that a repetitive strain injury is actually quite rare; they are more popular than you’d think, and definitely more popular than the economy would like. Such injuries cost the economy an average of £300million a year because of lost working hours. Like a lot of other injuries, there are procedures both you and your employer can carry out to prevent you and other staff suffering from an RSI.

Your employer can buy equipment such as wrist supports that you can use when sat at the computer – this takes some of the pressure away from the muscles. Your employer can also reduce the risk of you suffering such an injury by ensuring that you take regular breaks. This will give the muscles time to rest, and decreases the chances of an injury being caused.

A repetitive strain injury can take years to make itself known, and over time, the pain from such an injury can worsen. Such an injury may begin with shooting pains in the affected area, and over time, as the affected muscle is used, the pain can become more and more intense.

Symptoms of an RSI

•         Pain or tenderness in your muscles or joints
•         Stiffness
•         Throbbing
•         Tingling or numbness
•         Weakness
•         Cramp

If you feel any of the above symptoms you should seek medical attention – your GP will then be able to diagnose if you are suffering from an RSI. If you are, they will then be able to write a letter to your employer explaining the injury you are suffering from. They may write you a medical note informing your employer that you will need some rest from work to recover from such an injury.

If your injury was suffered by poor equipment provided in the work place, then you may be able to make an injury compensation claim. For more information about making a claim, contact the Injury Lawyers for free and friendly legal advice.