General

Repetitive strain injuries are preventable conditions but effective prevention requires that employers should take RSI seriously, both in the interests of good management and for the health, safety and welfare of their employees, as required under the terms of the Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974. They should recognise that work associated with repetitive movements and/or static load on muscles for long periods, particularly if an awkward posture is adopted, may constitute a health hazard.
 
Aside from any issues of blame, RSI can lead to lost production and huge disruption for employers too.
 
A step by step approach will help to assess where the potential for RSI is within an organisation and identify who might be at risk.
 
Employers seeking guidance on measures that will help to prevent RSI should refer to the publication ‘RSI and the Work Related Upper Limb Disorders’ ISBN 0717607518.