Books list   Search publications                    

C O N T E N T S

INTRODUCTION


Hidden harm from overuse - the misery of RSI
About this handbook


THE PRINCIPLE OF RISK ASSESSMENT


Health and safety law
The principle of risk assessment
Key requirements of remaining six-pack regulations Manual Handling Operations Regulations
Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations
Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations
Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations
Personal Protective Equipment at Work Regulations

IDENTIFYING THE HAZARD - WHAT IS RSI AND WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS?


What is RSI?
Table 1: Localised RSI Conditions


ASSESSING THE RISKS - WHY DOES RSI OCCUR AND WHO IS AT RISK?


Assessing the Risks
Why does RSI occur?
Repetitive work
Forceful movements
Static or awkward postures
Gripping and twisting
Poor work organisation
Stress
Cold
Vibration
Table 2: jobs with risk of RSI
Assessing whether there is a risk of RSI in the workplace
Assessing whether there are symptoms of RSI amongst the workforce

PREVENTING RSI - WHAT EMPLOYERS MUST DO


Preventing RSI - What Employers Must Do
The Reality of Work
Improving work organisation
Improving task and equipment design
Taking account of the individual
Improving the work environment
Monitoring health
Good practice - what employers have done
Display screen equipment - preventive measures
Preventing RSI in VDU work Work organisation
Workstation
Work equipment - screen, keyboard, mouse
The individual

ORGANISING TO PREVENT RSI IN THE WORKPLACE - WHAT WORKERS CAN DO


The need for trade union action
Trade union safety representatives
What safety representatives can do
Inform yourself
Carry out your own survey
Take up any problems with management
Organising: two successes
Sample questionnaire for repetitive strain injury
Make sure that you are consulted
Negotiate a policy
TUC model policy
If a member comes to you with symptoms
If there is no union
RSI campaigns

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF RSI


Diagnosis and Treatment of RSI
Diagnosis
Treatment
Rest
Immobilisation
Physiotherapy
Holistic approaches
Drugs or surgery
Complementary therapies
Prevention rather than cure

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE RSI


If You Think You Have RSI
At work
At the doctors
At the DSS
At home

COMPENSATION


Compensation
Suing your employer
Damages
Case law
No fault compensation schemes Summary of compensation agreement on keyboard and workstation- related upper limb disorders between Inland Revenue and PTC
Negotiating a compensation agreement
Suing for unfair dismissal
Seeking state compensation
Industrial Injuries Benefit Table 3: Prescribed Diseases And Related Occupations
Clawback
Other benefits
Prevention not compensation

CAMPAIGNING PRIORITIES FOR THE FUTURE