Working Place Conditions
This page will give you more information on working with monitors and Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). RSI is a general term used to describe the pain felt in muscles, nerves, and tendons caused by repetitive movement and overuse. It is also called 'work-related upper limb disorder' or 'non-specific upper limb pain'.
The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, such as the forearm, elbow, wrist, hands, neck, and shoulders. The symptoms can vary, but often include pain, aching or tenderness, stiffness, throbbing, tingling or numbness, weakness, and cramp.
At first, you might only notice symptoms when you are carrying out a particular repetitive action, for example when you are at work. When you have finished work and are resting, your symptoms may improve. This is the first stage of symptoms and may last for several weeks or longer.
If nothing is done about them, the symptoms of RSI are likely to get worse and cause longer periods of pain. You may also get swelling in the affected area, which can last for several months.
Without treatment, the symptoms of RSI can become constant. At this stage the condition may be irreversible.
If you develop these symptoms and you think it may be related to your job, speak to your employer about your concerns and ways you could modify your tasks to relieve the symptoms.
See your GP if symptoms persist despite attempts to alter how you work.
What to do about RSI
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is related to the overuse of muscles and tendons in the upper body, especially the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders, back or neck.
Things that can put you at risk of RSI include:
- Repetitive activities
- Doing a high-intensity activity for a long time without rest
- Poor posture or activities that require you to work in an awkward position
RSI is most commonly caused by a repeated action carried out on a daily basis.
Treatment for repetitive strain injury (RSI) depends on your symptoms and whether a specific condition has been diagnosed.
The first step is usually to speak to your employer about ways you could modify your tasks to relieve the symptoms. Small changes to your lifestyle and working environment can often help.
Think about your working environment and what activity may be causing the problem. Try to take steps to reduce how much time you spend doing this activity or change how you do it.
If you can't stop doing it completely, take regular, short breaks to stretch and move about.
It can also be helpful to get advice on how to set up your work station (see links at the bottom of this page).
Some people with symptoms of RSI find that including exercise in their daily routine, such as walking or swimming, also helps ease their symptoms.
Preventing repetitive strain injury (RSI) or relieving your symptoms involves understanding what causes the problem. This includes your work, hobbies, general stress and posture.
Many repetitive strain injuries develop over a long period of time rather than suddenly.
Aspects of your working environment are likely to have the most impact on your RSI. Employers have a legal duty to prevent work-related RSI and make sure that the symptoms of anyone who already has the condition do not get worse.
Use the following as a guide to review your own work situation:
- If you work at a computer all day, make sure your seat, keyboard, mouse and screen are positioned so that they cause the least amount of strain to your fingers, hands, wrists, neck and back. Click on the links below for more detailed advice on preventing RSI and about using a mouse and keyboard at work.
- Make sure that you are sitting at your desk with a good posture. Adjust your chair so that your forearms are horizontal with the desk and your eyes are the same height as the top of your computer screen. Click below links for more information.
- Try to take regular breaks if you do a repetitive task at work. It is better to take smaller breaks more frequently than just one long break at lunch.
Contact our prevention officers
If you have any questions or comments, please contact our prevention officers (preventiemedewerkers) Jasper Bok or Pascal Zoetekouw.