Repetitive strain injuries
A work injury may arise from repetitive work activities and/or poor ergonomics, resulting in a repetitive strain injury (RSI). Find out what injuries are considered RSIs, the risk factors for RSIs and factors that may or may not support a RSI claim.
A work injury may arise from repetitive work activities and/or poor ergonomics, resulting in a repetitive strain injury (RSI). These injuries can result in pain, fatigue and a decline in work performance.
RSI includes, but is not limited to:
- carpal tunnel syndrome
- epicondylitis (tennis or golfer’s elbow)
- cubital tunnel syndrome
- tendonitis
- rotator cuff
- shoulder impingement syndrome
- radial tunnel syndrome
- thoracic outlet syndrome
- trigger finger
- disablements from vibrations
Risk factors for RSI
There are three major risk factors for RSI in the workplace:
- Repetition: The number of times a specific activity is repeated and the percentage of the workday it occurs.
- Force: The weight or impact of an object being handled and/or the force of body action required to carry out an activity.
- Ergonomics: Body positioning, both static and dynamic, required to do an activity and the setup of the work area.
Daily job duties can lead to a workplace RSI if there is a high repetition and force in your daily tasks. Poor ergonomics can increase this risk even further.
| Risk factors for RSI | |
|---|---|
| Factors that may support an RSI claim* | Factors that do not support an RSI claim* |
|
a precise symptom onset during a work activity |
symptom onset away from employment |
|
new activities in your job |
activities performed for many years |
|
recent increase in activities at work |
recent increase in activities outside of work |
|
your age and years of activity |
other medical considerations, such as medications or therapies |
|
improved symptoms away from work |
bilateral symptoms without bilateral activity |
|
|
continuing or increasing symptoms away from work |
* These factors are not used as the sole basis for accepting or denying a claim.
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