Preventing Repetitive Strain Injuries

Repetitive strain injuries (also known as RSIs) are among the most common type of work-related injury. It is characterized by injury to one or more structures within the body, caused by performing the same motion over and over. RSIs usually affect the tendons, nerves, joints, and/or muscles, often resulting in pain and inflammation. To learn more about repetitive strain injuries and the steps you can take to prevent them, keep reading.

RSI Statistics

Are repetitive strain injuries really a problem? The short answer is yes, they are a problem. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), more than half of all work-related injuries and illnesses are attributed to repetitive strains. The BLS adds that employers spend more than $100 billion in direct and indirect costs to treat workers' repetitive strain injuries.

In a report published by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), it was revealed that the average cost for an RSI injury to be $8,000 -- double the amount for a typical injury. Employers who turn a blind eye to such injuries will face hefty bills in the form of Worker's Compensation, as noted in these statistics.

Preventing RSI in The Workplace

So, what steps can employers take to protect their workers from repetitive strain injuries? One simple solution is to focus on creating a more ergonomic workplace.

"Ergonomics, the science of adjusting the job to fit the body's needs, can prevent RSIs. Ergonomic solutions need not be expensive; in fact, the solutions are often simple. While in some cases redesigning the workplace is the best way to prevent RSIs, often many simple and inexpensive remedies will eliminate a significant portion of the problem,” said an OSHA spokesperson when talking about repetitive strain injuries and how to prevent them.

Of course, there are other steps you can take to prevent RSI, such as ensuring workers are given breaks between tasks. Something as simple as a short 5-10 minute break after several hours of work can make a world of difference in preventing repetitive strains. Workers should also be rotated through different tasks/stations so they aren't performing the same motions over and over. Following these simple steps can reduce the risk of repetitive strain injuries significantly.