Conditions
Work-related upper limb disorders and repetitive strain injuries can affect all manner of workers, from office workers and computer operators, through to machinists and construction workers. They can affect any part of the arm or hand including the fingers, as well as the shoulder and neck, causing significant pain and discomfort.
There are many circumstances that could lead to a person developing Repetitive Strain Injury at work, including:
Repeating an action for an extended period of time without adequate breaks or rotation of your job role
Awkward working or seating positions that require overstretching and leaning forward, incorrect chair, desk or bench heights. We’ve seen many cases of RSI involving the use of computers, using keyboards and/or a mouse over prolonged periods of time.
Having to apply force or pressure to a workpiece or constantly twisting or turning items with the hands.
Health and Safety
Work Act 1974 & Work Regulations 1999
Problems are often experienced on production lines where workers are paid piecemeal, the pace of the work may be excessive and there may be inadequate provision or no provision to slow this down. UK Employers are required under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 to undertake an assessment of the risks of developing Repetitive Strain Injury and should take steps to prevent the risks identified by, for example, changing the way the work is undertaken, or allowing employee’s working on computers to take regular breaks away from their desks or work stations.
If you believe this didn’t happen and you can present evidence to back up your argument, you may have a valid claim for compensation.
Are you suffering from work-related RSI?
Industrial Disease Solicitor
3 Years
The time period in which Court proceedings need to be started is 3 years from the date you knew or ought to have known that you were suffering from a “significant injury”, and you are linking this to the work you’ve undertaken for an identified employer.
Significant Injury
The term “significant injury” has been open to interpretation by the English Courts, but essentially, if your symptoms have been getting worse and you’ve sought treatment from your doctor, think it is related to your work and a diagnosis has been made, we’d recommend that you seek our legal advice right away.
Report
You should also report any RSI symptoms to your employer, who should take active steps to assess your working environment and make any changes as necessary.
