27 February 2008

A sharp rise in cases of repetitive strain injury (RSI) is costing employers almost £300 million a year in lost working time, sick pay and administration, according to the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP).

The CSP is urging employers and the government to take greater steps to protect workers in all industries ahead of International RSI Awareness Day on 29 February.

The latest HSE figures show an increase in both new cases of the condition and the overall number of people affected.

In 2006/7, 115,000 new cases of work-related upper limb disorders were reported, compared with 86,000 new cases in 2005/6.

The total number of people reporting an RSI problem rose from 374,000 to 426,000.

Occupations most at risk include plumbers, carpenters and painters in construction; nurses and paramedics in the health service; and plant and machine operatives. Security guards, cleaners and estate agents are among those least at risk of developing the condition.

CSP spokesperson Bronwyn Clifford said, "Why do we let this situation continue? Many thousands of people are suffering and employers are losing hundreds of millions of pounds every year through RSI. This is totally unnecessary as RSI can often be avoided with advice on appropriate equipment and safe working practices from occupational health physiotherapists."

The CSP is offering tips for manual workers on how to avoid RSI, including: take more short breaks rather than one long one; keep warm (cold muscles don't extend properly); and report pain or other symptoms straightaway because RSI is easier to treat in its early stages.

Employers are being urged to provide assessments for all staff; encourage early reporting of symptoms; and ensure employees can organise their work and take regular breaks.

Categories:
Musculoskeletal disorders, News



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