Your employer has a legal duty to keep you safe at work and protect your wellbeing whilst you’re in the workplace environment – if this has not been the case and your RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) was caused or worsened by poor working conditions, you may be entitled to claim for compensation.
What Is RSI?
Repetitive Strain Injury, sometimes called Occupational Overuse Syndrome, refers to the damage that your muscles, tendons and nerves suffer due to repetitive tasks and awkward posture.
It is usually work-related and commonly occurs in the fingers, hands, arms and neck. With proper and effective health and safety measures in place, RSI is avoidable most of the time.
There are numerous actions and tasks that increase the risk of RSI with most injuries happening to people who work in offices, factories or in manual labour roles. Common causes include:
- Repetitive tasks
- Poor posture
- Insufficient or infrequent rest breaks
- Cold environment
- Using vibrating equipment
RSI Symptoms
Symptoms range from mild to severe, but in every case, you should seek medical help to prevent further damage and pain from occurring.
If symptoms are mild, you may only notice the pain during the task itself – should this happen, you should stop your activity straightaway and tell your employer. If symptoms are constant or the pain is serious, as well as seeking medical advice you should seek legal advice too.
RSI Facts
It is estimated that more than 5 million working days are lost in sick leave because of RSIs every year – which means this type of injury isn’t just impacting on the day-to-day life of the sufferer but the wider economy too.
Various UK studies have shown what a difference it makes to people’s mental health and job satisfaction levels, having management that treats staff fairly and with consideration of working conditions. This is why it’s vital more is done to prevent employees from suffering with RSIs in the workplace
Other Work-Related Injuries
As well as RSI, HAVS and CTS are common work-related injuries that can be caused by poor safety measures and working conditions.
HAVS stands for Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome and is a form of Raynaud’s syndrome which causes poor blood circulation and nerve damage. It is most often found in individuals who use vibrating equipment or power tools in their work and usually causes permanent damage.
CTS is Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and is caused by swelling in the wrist area that suppresses the median nerve and leads to the area around the thumb becoming weak or numb. This syndrome can be caused or made worse by poor working conditions in the manufacturing and construction industries.
How We Can Help You With Your RSI Claim
Your workplace should be a safe environment and your employer should have measures in place to protect your wellbeing. If your employer has failed in their duty of care and been negligent either through a lack of health and safety measures or by failing to take action after you raised concerns then you may be able to make a compensation claim for your RSI.
It is important you consult legal help as well as medical assistance if you’ve suffered or are suffering from RSI, HAVS or CTS. Your solicitor will guide and support you at every step of the claims process, if you decide to go ahead – and work hard to ensure you receive the help you need to recover as well as to secure the compensation you deserve.
To discuss a potential RSI claim with one of our specialist solicitors call FREE on 0800 988 3674 or via a Mobile 0333 200 4465 or complete a Free Online Enquiry and we will soon be in touch.
