REPETITIVE STRAIN INJURY (RSI)

Negligence Causing Repetitive Strain Injury RSI

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) as the term suggests, is an injury that occurs when an employee has to repeat a similar or the same task over and over, in the same posture, for a prolonged period of time without adequate rest periods. Repeated actions can lead to damage to tendons, muscles, joints and other tissues in any part of the body however RSI is usually a problem of the hands, arms, elbow and wrist. A good example of work that is responsible for Repetitive Strain Injury is extensive inputting of data using a computer keyboard or continuous use of a computer mouse however the problem of RSI is also commonly suffered by production line operatives and by factory workers carrying out the same manufacturing procedure time and time again without sufficient rest periods.

Repetitive Strain Injury Compensation Claims

It is the responsibility of the employer to educate staff on the risk of developing Repetitive Strain Injury and how they can avoid suffering from RSI. Failure to properly deal with RSI risk by an employer can entitle an employee to make a repetitive strain injury compensation claim for any injury sustained as a result of negligence by the employer. In all high risk situations employers need to think about switching tasks between workers so one worker is not doing the same task all the time. The key to avoidance of this condition lies in ensuring that the operative tales adequate rest from the same repeated actions. In the case of data input employers should provide special wrist pads or guards for keyboards and the user’s mouse, and train employees on proper posture, stretching and taking adequate breaks during the work day. In all other industrial procedures where Repetitive Strain Injury is a serious risk the employer must devise and incorporate adequate rest periods into the operatives schedule.

No Win No Fee RSI Compensation Claims

If you have developed RSI due to tasks that you have had to perform repeatedly for a prolonged period of time at work, without adequate rest breaks, you should take legal advice from an experienced solicitor on the possibility of making a Repetitive Strain Injury compensation claim. You should act as quickly as there are time limits and a potential claim can become statute barred meaning that the opportunity to claim compensation can be lost forever.