Occupational overuse syndrome, commonly referred to as repetitive strain injury (RSI), is a collective term for a range of conditions that are characterised by persistent pain and discomfort in muscles, tendons and other soft tissues. Repetitive strain injuries are far more common in the work environment than some may think, with 33.3% of all work-related injuries and illnesses coming as a result of sprains or strains (ABS, Work-related Injuries 2013-14).
Occupations at risk of RSI can include office workers, factory workers and manual workers such as tradespersons or labourers. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, machinery operators and trades workers were of the highest rates of people who experienced a work-related injury or illness, whilst the manufacturing and warehouse businesses were amongst the highest industries with work-related injuries and illnesses.
Of those people who sustained an injury or illness in the workplace, 61% had to take time off work as a result of the injury.
The most common areas for a repetitive strain injury to occur are in the hands, forearms, shoulders and neck. Those tight shoulders and sore forearms that give you grief at the end of the day could be coming from repetitive work tasks. This can then lead into muscle injury as a result of repetitive, prolonged and sustained periods of time in fixed postures.
These injuries can be tricky as they do not simply go away and often it is not possible to ‘push through’ the discomfort. Initially, it may begin as discomfort and tightness in the muscles of the forearm or shoulder after repeated use. This can gradually build into a continuous, aching pain sensation which becomes apparent even at rest.
If you begin to experience some of these symptoms, it is important that you consult your health professional or speak to your supervisor and raise this issue. Your supervisor can then flag this issue to management, who can arrange for a safety specialist (such as a health and safety consultant or health professional) to visit the workplace and conduct a risk assessment to identify any tasks which might be contributing to this injury.
For strategies and tips on relieving muscle aches and pains, head over to my blog “Staying Active In The Workplace” or watch out for upcoming blogs on “Stretches For The Workplace”.
