Repetitive Strain Injuries

Friday February 28th 2010 is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness day.

RSI (now more commonly referred to as work related upper limb disorders WRULDs ) is used as an umbrella term for a range of disorders of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck including: tenosynovitis; carpal tunnel syndrome; tendonitis; dupuytren’s contracture; epicondylitis or ‘tennis or golfers elbow’. 

WRULDs tend to develop over time as a result of repetitive actions, such as typing. They can affect the neck, shoulders and upper limbs. Some WRULDs, such as carpal tunnel syndrome in the wrist, have well-defined signs and symptoms. Others are non-specific because the pain is not clearly linked to a specific disorder. Physical causes include: handling loads, poor posture and making repetitive movements. Organisational causes include the pace and monotony of work. Some types of disorders are associated with particular tasks or occupations. There is growing evidence to link psychosocial factors - such as low job satisfaction - with lower back problems, especially where they occur at the same time as physical factors.

• According to the UKs Health and Safety Executive, muscle, bone and joint disorders are the most common cause of occupational ill health in Great Britain, currently affecting 1 million people a year and costing society £5.7 billion.
• 62% of EU workers devote 25% or more of their time to repetitive hand and arm movements; 46% to painful or tiring positions; 35% to carrying or moving heavy loads; Source European Agency for Safety and Health at Work
• In 2005/06 an estimated prevalence of 374, 000 people in Great Britain suffered, in their opinion, from a muscle, bone and joint disorder mainly affecting the upper limbs or neck that was caused or made worse by their current or past work.

Useful websites relating to WRULDs:

• The States of Jersey General Guide to Health and Safety in the Workplace
• Back Care (the charity for healthy backs) leaflet exercises for a better back
• Back Care exercises for office workers
• Back Care what to do when back pain strikes
   

Useful leaflets relating to WRULDs: