'Sharp rise' in work-related upper limb disorders

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) said such disorders, commonly referred to as RSI (repetitive strain injury) were now costing employers almost £300 million a year in lost productivity and sick pay, with an estimated 3.5 million working days lost last year.

The latest figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) showed that the total number of workers with work-related upper limb disorders went up by more than 50,000 to 426,000 in the past year.

Physiotherapist Bronwyn Clifford said the problem was "totally unnecessary" because RSI could be avoided with appropriate equipment and safe working practices.

"The Government and employers must do more to protect the health of employees and prevent a further increase of RSI," she said.

Workers in the construction industry, rather than services or professional workers, were most at risk from upper-limb disorders, according to HSE figures.

Analysis of the statistics by the Labour Research Department for the CSP, showed that plumbers, carpenters and painters were most likely to develop RSI - 1.26 per 100 workers. These were followed by nurses and paramedics in the health service (1.08 per 100) and plant and machine operatives (1.03).

Jobs with the lowest rates were security guards, waiters and cleaners (0.41) and professionals such as financial analysts, estate agents and inspectors (0.44). The overall rate for all occupations was 0.62 per 100 workers.

Awareness day advice

In the run up to International RSI Awareness Day (29 February) the CSP offered the following advice:

For manual workers:

• Try to avoid prolonged or repetitive tasks – if on a production line, try working from different work stations in half-hour periods to allow you to use different muscles

• Use both hands – pick one item with your left hand then one with your right

• Take more short breaks rather than one long one – use the time to stretch your arms and legs

• Make sure your clothes fit well so you can move freely

• Keep warm – cold muscles don’t extend properly

• Don’t over stretch to perform a task – move closer

• Report pain or other symptoms straight away – RSI is easier to treat in its early stages

In addition, the CSP called on employers to:

• Provide assessments for each staff member to see what risks are associated with their job and how best to combat these

• Encourage early reporting of any symptoms and provide access to appropriate help, such as consulting an occupational physiotherapist

• Ensure employees are able to organise their work and take regular breaks