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What is it?
RSI stands for Repetitive Strain Injury. It is continued overuse of the same muscles, tendons and nerves, usually of the neck and upper limbs, although it can affect other parts of the body as well. It can also be caused by poor posture. RSI can be known by a specific term if the affected area is localised, e.g. carpal tunnel syndrome (this affects the wrist area). Alternatively, RSI can be non-specific: there is general pain and discomfort in a particular region. This is then known as Diffuse RSI. Another umbrella term for RSI is Work Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD).
Who does it affect?
Although not exclusive to computer users, RSI is common within this group. The increased use of computers has lead to an increase in the number of reported cases of RSI. Many people use computers for both work and leisure purposes. Assembly workers are another group who can be affected by RSI.
How is it caused?
Poor posture when sitting at the desk or not having your monitor at the correct height can mean the muscles, tendons and nerves are strained or too tense for too long a period of time. Any form of repetitive overuse without sufficient recovery time afterwards could lead to RSI.
What are the symptoms?
Symptoms include aches, pain, tingling, a pins and needles sensation, swelling, numbness, cramps and weakness. They can be localised to a specific point on the body or can be in a generalised area. Non-specific pain can be an indication of diffuse RSI.
What should I do if I think I have it?
If you think you suffer from RSI, it is best to seek the opinion of a health professional. Your GP should be able to offer advice or refer you to an appropriate professional e.g. a physiotherapist or an occupational therapist.
Why should we be concerned?
* Nearly half a million (448,000) British workers now suffer from RSI.
* 4.7 million working days in Great Britain (full-time equivalent) were lost due to RSI in 2003/04
* Of those afflicted, each person took an average of 18.3 days off in that time
* It has been estimated that the cost to UK industry from RSI is likely to be up to £20 billion annually
* Every day, six people in the UK leave their jobs due to an RSI condition
* 1 in 50 of all workers in the UK have reported an RSI condition
* All figures relating to number of days lost through RSI caused or made worse by work, and the cost to UK industry are sourced from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) www.hse.gov.uk, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) www.tuc.org.uk and the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), (ref www.stop-rsi.co.uk)
Who is responsible?
It is the employer's responsibility to carry out risk assessments of the working environment according to the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and by the Display Screen Equipment Regulations 1992 (amended 2002), including the Management of Health and Safety at Work, Display Screen Equipment and Manual Handling Operation Regulations (ref. www.stop-rsi.co.uk and Chartered Society of Physiotherapy). The employer must address any risks immediately.
The employee can play their part by ensuring they do stretching exercises and take regular breaks.
What can be done to prevent it?
Stretches and regular breaks can help prevent RSI. Ensuring your working
environment is suited to you personally is a major preventative measure. There are many products available which can help with this. Examples include ergonomic keyboards, rests for wrists and feet, back supports, adjustable chairs, monitor stands, laptop risers and screen filters.
At LAOffice we have a wide range of these products available at competitive prices. For your convenience we've listed some of our recommended products below.
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