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Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are a common injury in workplace related personal injury claims.

In particular, those working in manual labour, assembling products on a factory line, working in healthcare facilities, or handling heavy tools in construction, are at a greater risk of developing an RSI. These injuries can have a lasting impact on an individual’s health.

What are repetitive strain injuries?

RSIs are injuries caused by repetitive movements, awkward postures, or prolonged overuse of certain body parts, particularly the hands, wrists, arms, neck, and shoulders. These injuries can result in chronic pain, reduced mobility, and, in severe cases, permanent disability.

Repetitive strain injuries occur when muscles, tendons, or nerves are overused or subjected to strain over time. They are common in workplaces where repetitive motions or poor ergonomics are present.

Symptoms of RSIs can include:

• Chronic pain or aching in affected areas
• Tingling or numbness
• Swelling or stiffness
• Reduced range of motion

Some workplaces inherently carry a higher risk of RSIs. These include:

• Manufacturing and assembly lines: Repetitive hand and arm motions in fast-paced environments can place significant strain on muscles and tendons.
• Healthcare: Nurses and caregivers often perform repetitive lifting or bending tasks, contributing to muscle strain.
• Construction: Using power tools, repetitive hammering, or heavy lifting can result in long-term musculoskeletal damage.
• Retail and warehousing: Stocking shelves, scanning items, and operating machinery can all cause repetitive strain.

Consequences for injured workers

The impact of RSIs can have serious knock-on effects on an individual’s quality of life:

• Physical pain and disability: Chronic pain can interfere with daily life. This can have an impact on the ability to do everyday tasks such as household chores, looking after children. It may also affect whether someone can exercise or be involved in social activities.
• Emotional stress: The inability to work or perform basic tasks can lead to anxiety, depression, and frustration.
• Loss of income: Someone suffering from an RSI may need extended time off work to recover, leading to financial strain.

Compensation for repetitive strain injury

If you’ve developed an injury as a result of your work, that was not your fault, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim for your medical expenses or lost income from time spent out of work. Here’s what to do if you are suffering from a repetitive strain injury that was caused by your employment:

1. Seek medical attention immediately: Your health is your wealth and should be your first priority. Even for minor injuries, you must remember that minor injuries where you ‘feel fine’ could progress to more serious injuries in the future. In this case, it is always better to be safe than sorry and is advisable that you go to your nearest accident and emergency (A&E) or local doctor to be checked out.  If you need to make a personal injury claim, having medical evidence from a doctor will help to strengthen your case.

2. Report the injury to your employer: It is critical to report the accident to your superior, i.e. a supervisor or manager. It doesn’t matter how small you think the injury may be. By law, accidents at work are required to be reported if the person is injured and can’t perform their daily work tasks for more than three days. Make sure to fill out an Accident Report Form. This can be used for reference in any medical examination and will also prevent any similar incidents or injuries from happening in the future.
3. Identify any witnesses or CCTV footage. If possible, try to collect the contact details of anybody who can be a witness to the working conditions that have led to your injury. This may be of use if you do decide to pursue a claim. It is also useful to find out if there is any CCTV in the area where your injury happened.
4. Keep detailed records: Document your symptoms and take photos of any workplace conditions that may have contributed to your injury. It is important that you collect all the relevant information in connection with your accident, so document everything. This includes keeping copies of any expenses that you have incurred as a result of your injury. It is also imperative to retain copies of medical reports or incident report forms where possible as you will need them when making a claim.

5. Consult a personal injury solicitor. If you are considering moving forward with a repetitive strain injury claim, it is advisable that you speak with a solicitor as soon as possible. If you are proceeding with a claim, the first step will be submitting your claim to the Injuries Resolution Board for assessment. A solicitor can help you in preparing your application to the Injuries Board and ensure that you follow the process in the correct format, meaning that you can move forward with your claim quickly without unnecessary delays.

To find out more, contact us and tell us about your case. Our compassionate and knowledgeable team will guide you through every step of the process.