Introduction

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is one of a number of general names given to a range of potentially disabling conditions – others include Work–Related Upper Limbs Disorders (WRULDs), Overuse Injuries and Cumulative Trauma Disorder.

Tenosinovitus is probably the best known and most widely diagnosed RSI – but there are many others, such as tendinitis, epicondylitis and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome.

This guide aims to explain the most common causes of these injuries, what can be done to prevent them and advice for members who suspect they might have RSI.

What is RSI?

RSls affect the muscles, tendons and other soft tissue in the hands, arms, shoulders and neck.  The early signs of RSI can include:

• numbness or tingling sensations in the arm or hand
• aches, pains or tenderness in muscles or joints
• loss of strength and grip in the hands
• loss of sensation in the fingers or whiteness towards the tips
• crackling sensations in joints or muscles.

It is important to remember that RSls are progressive conditions and they will not get better on their own. If the damage is allowed to continue, these symptoms, which may clear up overnight to start with, will get worse and will last longer.

Permanent disability can be the end result of trying to ‘grin and bear it’. Early action can overcome the cause and pain of RSls and allow you to continue working.

What causes RSI?

RSl can be caused by work, sports or activities in the home – or a combination of these factors.  PCS is concerned to ensure that the main work-related causes are addressed. These include:

• awkward postures or grips

• repetitive actions
• poorly designed workstations or tools
• excessive twisting and gripping
• static muscle loading
• lack of breaks and changes of activity.

Workstation Checklist

Ensure:

1. the workstation is large enough to allow you to arrange your equipment and paperwork to suit you and your work.

2. your chair is fully adjustable for seat and back height – and is adjusted correctly.
3. your chair is adjusted so that your hands and wrists are in a straight line when your hands rest on the centre row of keys.
4. your chair is set to the right height, your feet can rest flat on the floor or that you are provided with a footrest.
5. you can place the keyboard with space in front to rest your hands when not keying.
6. your screen is free from glare or reflections.
7. your screen is free from dirt or dust that can make it more difficult to see.
8. you take regular breaks away from the screen and keyboard – either doing other tasks or resting.

 

Who is at risk?

Anyone whose work includes one or more of the causes shown above – including office workers using visual display units (VDUs), users of vibrating equipment (e.g. chainsaws), machine operators, cooks or cleaners – could develop work related RSI.

Duties on employers

AII employers have a legal duty to safeguard the health and safety of their workers. They must carry out risk assessments, provide well-designed jobs and workstations and train their staff in good working practice and posture.

What to do if you suspect you have RSI

 The first priority is to report your suspicions and symptoms to your PCS health and safety Rep. They can advise you further and help you to get changes made to your workplace or work pattern.

Report the symptoms to your line manger as well, and preferably in writing. Get it noted in the Accident Book.

If you are covered by the Civil Service Pension Scheme ask about additional benefits (including extended sick leave provisions) for work-related injuries. Other schemes may offer similar benefits.

Go to see your GP – and tell them about the work you do, your symptoms and that you suspect you might have RSI. Unfortunately, not all GPs fully understand RSI. If your GP tells you it’s all in your mind or nothing to do with work don’t just accept this but ask to be referred to a specialist – or consider changing your doctor.

Follow your doctor’s advice, especially if they say you need a period of rest from the work activities that could be causing your symptoms.

Claiming compensation

If your RSI is caused by work, there are two possible sources of compensation – industrial injury benefit and by suing your employer.

PCS Legal Services Department can give advice about initiating a claim for damages. Costs for initial consultation with our solicitors are usually covered by PCS.

RSI – Do’s and Don’ts for sufferers

• Do tell your PCS health and safety rep.
• Do report your symptoms to your manager.
• Do see your GP as soon as possible.
• Do remember that some GPs are not well informed about RSI.
• Don’t be fobbed off by the doctor – ask for another opinion if necessary.
• Do follow any medical advice about rest or work changes.
• Do remember that this might also mean resting from tasks at home that use the affected parts.
• Don’t panic if you feel you are starting RSI.
• Don’t be rushed into taking major decisions such as giving up work.
• Don’t risk aggravating the condition by ignoring early signs and symptoms or by continuing the tasks that might have caused it.
• Don’t rush back to work as soon as the pain goes away – rest will often relieve the pain but it can return as soon as you start doing the things that caused it initially.
• Do contact the RSI Association for further help and info.

Further information:

RSI Association

Helpline: 0800 018 5012;  Tel: 020 7266 2000;  Email: rsia@rsi.org.uk;  Web: www.rsi.org.uk

PCS factsheets on health and safety, and about becoming a PCS health and safety rep, are on our website: www.pcs.org.uk or contact our Equality, Health and Safety Department on 020 7801 2683 or healthandsafety@pcs.org.uk. Information on all health & safety issues is available from the Health & Safety Executive website: www.hse.gov.uk  Or you could contact HSE for advice: www.hse.gov.uk/contact/index.htm   Have you already signed up to receive ‘Risks’, the TUC’s weekly online bulletin for health and safety reps? You can do so at: www.tuc.org.uk/mediacentre/register