RSI - A Pain in the Neck, Back, Arm and ...

05/02/2010

Repetitive strain injuries, also known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), is an umbrella term to describe a family of painful disorders affecting tendons, muscles, nerves and joints in the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. WMSDs are a serious occupational health concern across the world and are recognized as leading causes of significant human suffering, loss of productivity, and economic burdens on society.

Cause
WMSDs can be caused by work activities that are frequent and repetitive, or activities with awkward postures, including:

• fixed or constrained body positions
• continual repetition of movements
• force concentrated on small parts of the body, such as the hand or wrist
• a pace of work that does not allow enough rest between movements

Heat, cold and vibration may also contribute to the development of WMSDs. These disorders are generally caused by a combination of these factors - rather than one individual factor.

Prevention
The best way to eliminate a hazard is to eliminate the source. With WMSDs, the main source of the hazard is the repetitiveness of work. Prevention efforts should focus on avoiding the repetitiveness patterns of work through proper job design. Where this is not possible, preventive strategies involving workplace layout, tool and equipment design, and work practices should be considered. It is important to recognize these disorders early because medical treatments become less effective the longer these injuries go on.

Further Information

AplusA-online.de - Source: Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety