A Repetitive Strain Injury, or RSI as it is informally known, is an umbrella term which can cover a whole host of injuries. The injuries it covers are those which are caused by the repetitive use of parts of the body.
It is an extremely prevalent disorder affecting as many as 1 in 50 workers. This comes as no surprise, as not only can it affect manual workers, but also those desk workers who are typing away all day long.
The Types of RSI
An RSI injury can be one of 2 types.
Type 1: This is where your injury can be given an accurate diagnosis, such as Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, which is a condition that can lead to tingling sensations or numbness in your hand. There are many different conditions which can come under the general term of a RSI; Carpal Tunnel being just one of them.
Type 2: This is where a medical professional is unable to give an accurate diagnosis of your injury, but it is obvious that the patient is in pain and, there may be some swelling.
What should you do…
If you begin to feel the effects of the condition, it is advisable to alert your employer of this as soon as possible. Your employer should then act upon your reasonable requests in order to reduce the risks to your health and safety. If they fail in this duty, it may be necessary to begin a grievance procedure against them. It is also advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional who should be able to give you a diagnosis and also make a note of your attendance and your injury in your medical records. Seeking the advice of a specialist personal injury lawyer is also advisable to do at the earliest opportunity.
Preventative Measures
There are a number of actions which you can take to reduce the risk of an RSI:
- Ensure your work station is ergonomically sound; e.g. by use of a special keyboard or mouse, or wrist rests and a monitor stand
- Take regular breaks to stretch your muscles
- Keep fit and healthy as this also reduces your risk
- Do not smoke, as this can affect the flow of blood around your body.
