Repetitive Strain Injuries RSI
It is possible to suffer a condition or injury over a period of time due to repetitive motion, extreme motion and excessive force. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is the term given to describe a number of musculoskeletal disorders caused by such activity and can broadly describe conditions
including:
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Tenosynovitis
- Bursitis
- Tendonitis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Trigger Finger/Thumb
- Osteoarthritis
- Epicondylitis
- Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy
- DeQuervain's Syndrome
- Myofascial Pain Syndrome
Musculoskeletal disorders have a significant impact in the workplace, and are understood to cost the economy up to £3bn a year in lost production. In most circumstances, RSIs are brought on by one or a combination of the
following:
- Awkward posture
- Stress
- Uncomfortable working conditions
- Ergonomically poor equipment
- Repetitive movements
- Vibrating equipment
- Prolonged lifting and carrying
Most RSIs generally affect the upper limbs distressing the nerves, muscles and tendons of the fingers, hands and arms. There is a tendency for the ailment to spread over time to other parts of the body, creating tension in your shoulders and stiffness in the body. It may also lead to headaches from the strain on your muscles. Back injuries can also be classed as an RSI if the incident has resulted from prolonged lifting and carrying of heavy objects.
Symptoms may take weeks, months and sometimes years to surface. These can include pain and swelling, stiffness of joints (particularly in the wrist, elbow or fingers and hand). There are a variety of treatments available for sufferers of RSI which include physiotherapy, painkillers, hot and cold packs, wrist supports and acupuncture.
Due to modern-day working conditions, there are many day-to-day situations that individuals find themselves in that have led to an overall increase in repetitive strain injuries. You may spend your working week sitting at a poorly designed workstation or find yourself continually lifting and moving heavy objects as part of your everyday duties, for instance. Despite these common problems, it is important to remember that employers are responsible for the wellbeing of their workforce on their property. They have a duty to conduct risk assessments and ensure that preventative measures are in place to limit health and safety risks.
If you have suffered from an RSI resultant from a situation (or situations) that was not your fault, you may be able to claim compensation from those responsible. You could be entitled to damages, medical treatment and medication, and physiotherapy and alternative therapies. Furthermore, if you have found yourself being off work for prolonged periods of time you may be able to claim for current loss of earnings and future loss of earnings. Claims.co.uk have trained experts to listen to your case and advise you on how to best proceed.
Claims.co.uk can arrange a solicitor to work alongside you and collate all the information you'll need to submit your claim. In the heat of the moment, getting relevant evidence is sometimes overlooked and obtaining this information is extremely important to strengthen your case. Try to provide as much evidence as possible such as eye-witness reports and photographs to bolster any submission as injuries alone may not suffice. It is important to remember that no case is clear-cut, but providing as much evidence as possible can help to ensure a positive outcome.
