Are You Suffering From RSI Because of Your Job? You May Be Entitled to Compensation
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a work related injury caused by overuse and usually affects a person's wrist, upper limb and forearm. Repeated use of the same movements can cause inflammation and damage to soft tissue such as muscles, tendons and nerves. An example may be working on a computer and overuse of a mouse.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is also known as occupational overuse syndrome.
Other terms for RSI you may have heard include €tennis elbow', €trigger finger' and €carpal tunnel'. RSI can lead to other conditions such as cervicobrachial pain syndrome or chronic pain syndrome.
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate you are suffering from RSI and if you think you may have it, or early symptoms of it, it is wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible so the injury doesn't' get worse. Early symptoms may include soreness, tingling or discomfort in the neck, arms, wrists, fingers or shoulders. After you have seen your doctor, get independent advice from an injury advice line.
Typical RSI symptoms may include pain, a burning feeling, tremors, clumsiness, numbness or coldness in the fingertips. Weakness in the hands or forearms and simple tasks are difficult such as making a cup of tea. You may experience difficulty with other normal activities like opening doors, or using a pen or turning on a tap. Other possible symptoms may include a general lack of strength of feelings of fatigue.
Symptoms may disappear when you stop the repetitive activity causing the injury. However, it may take only a few weeks for the symptoms to settle, or if the injury is too far gone RSI can be a chronic injury.
Employers need to address RSI in the workplace as many workers are taking time off on work compensation. A long term injury may entitle a worker to a common law claim if the RSI could have been prevented in some way.
As well as repeated use causing a strain RSI can also be caused by working with equipment that doesn't fit a persons' body, or they are not sitting in the right way to operate it without straining. Other reasons might be working too quickly, not having enough recovery breaks or holding muscles in the same position for a long time.
Sometimes working in cold conditions can lead to RSI this is particularly common in factories or warehouses.
Employees have a responsibility to prevent workplace injuries from happening and need to provide the necessary training for the safest way to carry out work tasks.
If you have RSI you may be entitled to injury compensation. Contact an injury advice line who can assist you in finding out your options.
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is also known as occupational overuse syndrome.
Other terms for RSI you may have heard include €tennis elbow', €trigger finger' and €carpal tunnel'. RSI can lead to other conditions such as cervicobrachial pain syndrome or chronic pain syndrome.
There are a number of symptoms that may indicate you are suffering from RSI and if you think you may have it, or early symptoms of it, it is wise to seek medical attention as soon as possible so the injury doesn't' get worse. Early symptoms may include soreness, tingling or discomfort in the neck, arms, wrists, fingers or shoulders. After you have seen your doctor, get independent advice from an injury advice line.
Typical RSI symptoms may include pain, a burning feeling, tremors, clumsiness, numbness or coldness in the fingertips. Weakness in the hands or forearms and simple tasks are difficult such as making a cup of tea. You may experience difficulty with other normal activities like opening doors, or using a pen or turning on a tap. Other possible symptoms may include a general lack of strength of feelings of fatigue.
Symptoms may disappear when you stop the repetitive activity causing the injury. However, it may take only a few weeks for the symptoms to settle, or if the injury is too far gone RSI can be a chronic injury.
Employers need to address RSI in the workplace as many workers are taking time off on work compensation. A long term injury may entitle a worker to a common law claim if the RSI could have been prevented in some way.
As well as repeated use causing a strain RSI can also be caused by working with equipment that doesn't fit a persons' body, or they are not sitting in the right way to operate it without straining. Other reasons might be working too quickly, not having enough recovery breaks or holding muscles in the same position for a long time.
Sometimes working in cold conditions can lead to RSI this is particularly common in factories or warehouses.
Employees have a responsibility to prevent workplace injuries from happening and need to provide the necessary training for the safest way to carry out work tasks.
If you have RSI you may be entitled to injury compensation. Contact an injury advice line who can assist you in finding out your options.
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