Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) or Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) are one of the most common causes of work-related injuries. Although many associate RSI with wrist injuries, RSI is an umbrella term that covers any repetitive injury of the fingers, wrists, or elbows.
RSI is a very painful and often debilitating condition, which, when left untreated, can result in permanent damage.
Causes of RSI
- Carrying out repetitive tasks for long periods without suitable rest breaks
- Poor posture or activities that require you to work in an awkward position
- Poor working environment setup
Signs and symptoms
It is important to recognise the early signs and symptoms as early intervention and treatment can assist with recovery. Symptoms of RSI include:Â
- Pain, aching or tendernessÂ
- Stiffness and/or joint restrictionÂ
- Altered neural sensations such as numbness and tinglingÂ
- Muscle crampingÂ
- Swelling in the hands or forearmsÂ
- Referred pain felt in different parts of the body
RSI can present differently to different people
RSI may present differently for everyone however there are two main types. Type 1 is pain caused by a medical condition such as tendonitis, cellulitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome. Type 2 is when no specific diagnosis can be made, and the injury is often a non-specific pain. Both types can benefit from conservative care and early intervention increases the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes.
Prevention is key
Prevention of RSI is much easier than treatment. The following are risk management and early intervention guidelines that organisations can adopt:
1. Integrate task rotation and movement variety
- Redesign roles to incorporate a mix of physical activities, postures, and movement patterns.
- Avoid prolonged repetitive tasks or sustained postures by introducing alternating movements and varied duties at regular intervals.
2. Formalise break structures
- Implement micro-breaks and ensure structured rest periods, particularly for tasks exceeding two hours or involving repetitive motion.
- Encourage short walks and stretching as part of the workday routine.
3. Introduce mechanical aids and ergonomic tools
- Substitute manual handling with mechanical assistance (e.g. trolleys, lifting devices).
- Evaluate load design (e.g. handles, stability) to reduce gripping strain.
- Select well-balanced, lightweight, and properly maintained tools.
- Undertake Task Analysis to identify high-risk areas
4. Strengthen workplace design principles
- Ensure that workstations are height-adjustable, with sufficient knee/foot room and neutral postural alignment.
- Encourage sit-stand flexibility and ensure supportive seating and footrests where needed.
5. Enhance employee autonomy and role clarity
- Provide workers with some control over their task pace and method.
- Improve role definition and communication to reduce ambiguity and stress-related strain.
6. Address environmental and psychosocial risk factors
- Monitor temperature, lighting, and floor conditions to reduce physical strain.
- Address workplace conflict, perceived management support, and fatigue through leadership training and EAP programs.
7. Accommodate individual needs
- Consider physical capability, injury history, conditioning level, and cognitive load when assigning tasks.
- Design tailored onboarding and graduated return-to-work pathways for new or returning staff.
8. Reinforce training and reporting culture
- Ensure all workers are trained in ergonomics, safe work practices, and tool use.
- Educate workers on how RSI and musculoskeletal injuries occur, what the symptoms are and how to book an appointment with their onsite health provider.
- Encourage early reporting of discomfort and how this can prevent the injury from becoming chronic.
Make the most of your onsite health provider
RSI is a common injury that we see and treat frequently. Providing task analysis reports and workstation ergonomic advice can greatly reduce the risk of employee injuries. Your workplace injury prevention provider can recommend altering posture and grip and implementing stretching and stretching exercises.
Once an injury has occurred, treatment and education for recovery and further prevention will be given.Â