Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders
What is RSI?
‘Repetitive Strain Injury’ is used to describe a wide range of symptoms suffered by employees. The term is very broad and can often be misleading as it is used to represent a variety of disorders with a variety of causes. Examples of these are tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, tennis elbow and tenosynovitis. As the term 'RSI' has become more commonly used in the workplace, it has led to confusion and disappointment for a number of claimants who display symptoms relating to Repetitive Strain Injury. Diagnosis can often be misleading as it is not always possible to pinpoint the cause of the condition and RSI’s can often relate to a pre-existing problem.
What redress do I have against my employer?
A claim for RSI against an employer is similar to any other personal injury claim for compensation. The employer owes a duty of care to provide a safe working environment and a claim for compensation is only possible if this duty is breached. The claimant must also be able to show that the employer is aware, or should have been aware of the risk of injury to the employee and that the employer also failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the risk of injury.
The risk of RSI
Repetitive strain injuries and work related upper limb disorders can occur in many types of employment varying from the continuous use of a keyboard to working on a factory production line. Typical issues which can lead to injury include long periods without any job rotation, insufficient breaks and poor posture because of the working environment. Although RSI claims are rarely simple or straightforward, the duties upon employers are clear and as such, RSI claims have now become more common.
Making an RSI Compensation Claim
If you believe your injuries have been caused by your working conditions or environment, please contact our team of personal injury solicitors today to find out the potential success of your claim.
As with all personal injury claims for compensation, there are strict time limits on when a claim can be made, please visit our UK Claim FAQ section for further information, or contact our solicitors today.
