Employees may have spent a year working from home, with no immediate signs of a return to work, and minor but potentially long -term impact hazards can be ignored. One such hazard is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). RSI is amongst the most common occupational health hazard and is primarily caused by the use of modern technology and individual habits.
What is Repetitive Strain Injury?
RSI is not a specific medical condition; it is a term used to refer to the various aches, pains, stiffness, cramping etc of the body, muscles, tendons, and nerves. The most common areas of the body that are affected are the back, neck, shoulder, arms, hands, and wrists. The problems arise due to repetitive movements and motions performed by employees whilst using their computers and phones, sitting on their desks. Employees may not think about their chair, their posture, the way they hold a mouse, the height and angle of their computer screen. When these minor adjustments are not made, employees are forced to make unnecessary movements which impact on their various body parts. These movements are repeated for 7/8hrs a day, every day – sooner or later the impact will be felt, and usually results in pain, discomfort and in extreme cases, permanent damage.
Symptoms of RSI
- Pain, from minor to severe.
- Tenderness of the joints in arms, hands, and shoulders.
- Muscle tightness, stiffness, cramps, or discomfort.
- Tingling or numbness in the fingers.
- Weakness, inability to grasp objects.
- Sensitivity to heat/cold.
How to reduce risk of RSI?
- Organise the workspace area. Carry out a DSE assessment to ensure the desk, chair and computer are all suitable and adjustable for the user. With hours spent on typing and inputting data, correct position of the keyboard is essential. Keep it close to edge of the desk, using wrist pads for support (if needed). Organise the workspace, so that the most commonly used equipment is nearer. Other equipment to be kept further away – this stops unnecessary reaching and stretching movements.
- Taking breaks. Staff should not sit in the same position for long periods. Carry out simply exercises whilst at the desk. Examples include stretching arms, legs, moving the neck from side to side and flexing the shoulders. This promotes blood circulation. The DSE Regulations recommend resting eyes as well. It is recommended that employees refocus their eyes by looking at a distant object every so often, and remember to blink, to lubricate the eyes.
- Make sure that the mouse is correctly and suitably placed. Reduce the use of the mouse, by learning new techniques such as keyboard shortcuts and use a wrist support if necessary.
- Carry out a DSE assessment. Ensure you have a suitable chair, which can be adjusted and is free to move, allowing the chair and whole body to move. Instead of repeatedly moving the head, use the swing motion of the chair to make movements from side to site. Repeated movements of the head, neck, arms, hands, and wrists over the course of the working day will impact on your muscles and cause aches and pains. Has it ever been noticed how often employees will stretch their arms and back at the end of the day? This is a sign of the build-up of tension, stiffness, and aches. Take note of these signs.
- More often than not, these are minor problems, capable of easy and immediate remedy. But, where signs are ignored and are allowed to become more serios, employees should notify the employer and consult their doctor immediately.
A DSE assessment is crucial to identify issues, and an early response will alleviate most problems. Employees themselves need to be mindful of how they sit and conduct themselves at their desks. You cannot remove all risk, but carrying out regularly checks, being observant and consulting staff, it is easy to identify issues and deal with them.
For further information on this matter or any employment issues call our advice-line team on 01455 852028.
