Repetitive Strain Injury FAQ

What is repetitive strain injury?

Repetitive strain injuries develop over a period of time and are caused by activities which involve frequent and repetitive movements with awkward posture and overuse. Such disorders can cause pain both whilst carrying out those activities, or whilst resting. 

What causes repetitive strain injury?

Most commonly, repetitive strain injury occurs during heavy lifting, sustained full body bending and highly repetitive work such as cutting, clipping or, in some cases, simply continuous computer use without a properly adjusted chair.

Can I claim for repetitive strain injury?

Should an injury occur as a result of an employer not providing a reasonably safe workplace or failing to implement an adequate manual handling practice, a claim for repetitive strain could be made.  The injured employee would be able to request sufficient compensation, as far as is possible, to restore their financial position to that prior to the injury.

As an employer, how can I avoid being sued over a repetitive strain injury?

The most effective way for an employer to keep such disorders to a minimum and to avoid costly compensation claims is to implement a manual handling practice within the workplace.

Furthermore, employers have an overarching duty imposed upon them by the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999.  Such statutory provisions are put in place to ensure, as far as is reasonably practicable, the health, safety and welfare at work of all employees.

Should you need any advice on RSI please contact a member of the Personal Injury team