

Prevention of these injuries should focus on eliminating repetitive work through job design which may involve mechanizing certain tasks. PREVENTIONĪs with any hazards, RSI are best eliminated at the source which, in this case, is the repetition of the tasks performed. Each of these factors alone may not cause injury, however a combination of factors and the interaction among them can cause RSI. Some research suggests that psychosocial workplace factors (e.g., stress at work) can also contribute to RSI, increasing muscle tension and/or affecting how the body feels pain. It is not clear why some people develop RSI and others who do the same work do not. And there are other work factors that may contribute to injuries, such as awkward postures and fixed body positions, excessive force concentrated on small parts of the body such as the hand or wrist, and a fast pace of work with insufficient breaks or recovery time. What does make them hazardous in work situations though, is the continual repetition of the movements (e.g., using a computer mouse, cutting meat, or working on a production line). Gripping, holding, bending, twisting, clenching, and reaching - these ordinary movements that we naturally make every day are not particularly harmful in the activities of our daily lives.

The earlier people recognize symptoms, the quicker they should respond to them.

Otherwise, an injury can become longstanding, and sometimes, irreversible. Not everyone goes through these stages in the same way, however the first feeling of pain is a signal that the muscles and tendons should rest and recover. At this stage the condition may be irreversible. Eventually, without treatment, the symptoms can become constant and affect your ability to perform your job or even light duties. The symptoms of RSI usually develop gradually and the injury may progress in stages ranging from mild to severe, eventually causing longer periods of pain.
RSI SHIFT EXCHANGE SKIN
Some workers may also experience sensations of "pins and needles," numbness, skin colour changes, and decreased sweating of the hands. Symptoms may vary but often include joint stiffness, muscle tightness, redness and swelling of the affected area. Pain is the most common symptom associated with RSI. According to Stats Can, in 2000/2001, over two million Canadians had a repetitive strain injury serious enough to limit their normal activities, and 55% of these injuries were caused by work-related activities. These injuries place economic burdens on society in lost productivity, compensation costs, and healthcare costs. RSI are a serious workplace health concern causing pain and suffering for many workers. They cause persistent or recurring pain most commonly in the neck, shoulders, forearms, hands, wrists, elbows, and lower limbs. RSI is a general term used to describe a variety of painful injuries that affect tendons, tendon sheaths, muscles, nerves, joints, and other soft tissues. Whether you work at a computer, installing ceiling tiles, butchering meat, or on an assembly line, your job likely requires you to perform the same task or movement over and over again - which could put you at risk of developing a repetitive strain injury (RSI).
