Typically arising as aches and pains, these injuries can progress to become crippling disorders that prevent sufferers from working or leading normal lives.
Many workers workers suffer with injuries to backs, shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees and feet. Some of the industries in which workers are injured include: auto and auto parts, aerospace, fishing, mining, smelting, hospitality, rail, airlines, trucking and driving, retail, wholesale, health care, electronics, packaging, building, clerical, furniture, clothing, food, cleaning, computing, journalism and academia, entertainment (musicians).
And with many young people now spending hours in front of computers, the risk of developing RSI is growing.
The risk of RSI must be identified and reduced in workplaces - this must be done by implementing the requirements of the Manual Handling chapter (Part 3.1) of the Occupational Health and Safety Regulations 2007. Read more on the regulations. OHS Reps have an important role in ensuring that this is done in all workplaces.
See Also:
- Useful links on RSI
- The Australian RSI/OOS website
- The RSI Awareness website. This site has information on International RSI Awareness Day and other information such as RSI hazards, minimising risks and managing RSI.
- The Workers' Health and Safety Centre Guide from Canada - this page has a number of publications you can download for more information
- The CTD Resource Network - This is a non-profit corporation in California providing information and assistance to the RSI community. Check out the Typing Injury FAQ - an educational tool with a wide variety of information about repetitive strain injuries, resources for dealing with these ailments, and a broad description of products which can help reduce injury risk and symptoms.
- Computer related repetitive strain injury website
- Campaign page on RSI Awareness Day - there are a number of flyers which can be downloaded.
- General information on Manual Handling - Sprains and Strains