RSI in the workplace

Working with RSI

What is RSI

What is meant by RSI?
RSI is not a specific complaint as many people think. It is a collective term for various physical complaints. These complaints arise from chronic overuse, where the same movements are made repeatedly. The complaints often occur in the:

- Back
- Shoulders
- Neck
- Arms
- Elbows
- Wrists
- Hands
- Fingers

RSI is an abbreviation of the English term 'Repetitive Strain Injury', which means 'complaints due to repetitive strain'. Many doctors also use the term CANS, 'Complaints of Arm, Neck or Shoulder'. In the Netherlands, you will more often encounter KANS, 'Klachten aan Arm, Nek of Schouder' (Complaints of Arm, Neck or Shoulder). RSI, CANS and KANS all refer to the same pattern of complaints.

Common RSI complaints include tennis elbow/mouse arm and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS). Below you can find 7 facts and figures about RSI:

Around 3.2 million working people suffer from RSI complaints (TNO)
RSI costs society around 2 billion euros per year (TNO)
15% of sick leave days result from RSI complaints (NCvB)
50% of reports to the Netherlands Centre for Occupational Diseases relate to RSI
46% of the working population regularly works with a screen
Most complaints occur among people who do not work with a screen and people who work 8 hours or more with a screen (TNO)
In addition to the professional group, pupils and students also run the risk of RSI complaints

Working with RSI

How does RSI affect your work?
RSI definitely has an impact on work. Tingling, pain, stiffness and loss of strength are hardly motivators for getting through the day comfortably. If you don't adapt quickly to your complaints, it's also quite possible that complaints will start to occur in other parts of your body.

There are various causes of RSI complaints, just as there are multiple ways to get rid of them. What are the magic words regarding RSI? Prevention, prevention, prevention, prevention. Try to prevent RSI at all times, because once the complaints have settled in, it's difficult to get rid of them quickly. It's therefore important to know what you can do for prevention. For example, read ourtips.

Causes of RSI

What are the 3 biggest causes of RSI?
There are a large number of factors influencing the development of RSI-related complaints. This is not just about your work. TheRSI associationdefines 3 important factors:

1. Personal factors
You have more influence on developing RSI than you might think. A number of personal factors play a role in causing complaints. These include your motivation, physique and the demands you place on your work.

2. Environmental factors
In an unsuitable environment, you can be much more vulnerable to complaints. This includes interactions with colleagues, social contacts, high work pressure and the company culture of the organisation you work for.

3. Activity-related factors
High strain is a major cause of RSI. Heavy activities or using the wrong tools for your work can cause complaints. This includes uncomfortable postures, strength-intensive tasks and the well-known repetitive movements and static postures.

Do something about it

3 ways to get rid of RSI complaints
You can tackle RSI in several ways. The most effective approach depends on the person, the state of the complaint and the environment in which the complaint originated. The following 3 methods have the highest chance of success:

1. Take matters into your own hands
It's basically as easy as it sounds. Listen to your own body and pay attention to the activities that cause you complaints. Try to unlearn bad habits and take up some things that can help you further. For example:

- Try not to sit for more than 2 hours at a time
- Alternate tasks
- Do regular stretching exercises
- Ensure a strong and healthy body

You can find a lot more information about combating RSI.

2. Consult a specialist
A specialist can help you identify the factors causing RSI complaints. They will examine you thoroughly and help you tackle pain points. Hiring a specialist is not a cheap investment, but it pales in comparison to the enormous costs associated with absenteeism.

3. Use aids
There are numerous aids available that can help with your complaints. Products, for example (as you may have noticed), such as an ergonomic mouse, sit/stand workstation and laptop stand. You can also be assisted by free software programmes that you can install on your computer, tablet and phone. Some examples include:

Workrave- Breaks, tips and exercises duringwork
MMH Calculator - Calculate your maximum lifting weight
Posture Corrector - Provides tips on healthy posture

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