Call to protect workers from RSI
Call to protect workers from RSI
More needs to be done to protect workers from repetitive strain injury (RSI), physios' union CSP has warned. It says RSI rates have been rising in recent years and the problem now costs the UK economy £300m a year in lost working time, sick pay and administration. Health and Safety Executive statistics cited by the union show that there were 115,000 new cases last year - up from 86,000 on the year before. The figures, released ahead of the 29 February International RSI Action Day, revealed that rather than being a problem just for office staff using computers constantly, construction workers such as carpenters and painters were also at high risk. CSP is calling on the government to promote the use of occupational health therapists in the workplace, adding that businesses needs to make sure staff have regular breaks and risk assessments are carried out. It says workers should take measures including avoiding prolonged or repetitive tasks, using both hands for tasks and keeping warm to avoid strains. CSP spokesperson Bronwyn Clifford said: 'Why do we let this situation continue? Many thousands of people are suffering and employers are losing hundreds of millions of pounds every year through RSI. This is totally unnecessary as RSI can often be avoided with advice on appropriate equipment and safe working practices from occupational health physiotherapists.' She added: 'Government and employers must do more to protect the health of employees and prevent a further increase in RSI. We urge the government to promote the use of occupational health physiotherapists more widely and to work with the HSE to ensure that current legislation is adhered to by all employers. '
- CSP news release. BBC News Online.
- TUC RSI webpages. RSI Day resources. Updated UNISON RSI guide [pdf].
Stay Updated
Want to hear about our latest news and blogs?
Sign up now to get it straight to your inbox