There are two types of RSI – Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 is where the doctor can diagnose a recognised medical condition, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, as there is usually some kind of swelling or inflammation. With Type 2, the doctor is unable to diagnose a medical condition as there is no obvious swelling but the sufferer is reporting pain in the affected area. Symptoms can vary but can include cramping, swelling, pain, or tenderness in muscles or joints, throbbing and/ or tingling and numbness.
Employers in the UK are under a legal obligation to prevent incidents of RSI wherever reasonably possible; this is through the Safety Act of 1974 and the Safety at Work Regulations 1999. If you think you are suffering from an RSI as a result of your occupation, then you may have a claim for compensation. A particular RSI case comes to mind whereby an RAF data input clerk aged in her 20’s sued the Ministry of Defence for her RSI injury which stemmed from her occupation. The clerk suffered the RSI in her thumb and was unable to continue full time work in her current employment – the clerk received £434,000 in compensation for her injury.
Useful tips to prevent the development of an RSI are to take regular breaks, ensure your work station is ergonomically sound, stretch muscles regularly, try to stay in a good physical shape, and don’t smoke as this adversely affects the flow of blood around your body.
If you feel you may be suffering from an RSI it is advisable that you inform your employer to give them the opportunity to perhaps give you more breaks, re-arrange your work station, provide you with more suitable equipment, or provide you with training. You should also seek medical assistance from your GP; this not only assists with your injury but allows them to make a note of it in your medical records. Lastly seek the advice of a specialist personal injury lawyer – firms such as The Injury Lawyers will assess your claim free of charge.