Do I have a workstation related illness?

Do you think you might be suffering from RSI? If so, here are a few common symptoms to help you determine if it's time to see a professional - your general practitioner, occupational therapist or physiotherapist:

• Aches
• Pain
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Weakness
• Cramps

With diffuse RSI, unfortunately there are usually no visible signs. In this case, be sure to share your symptoms - even if it's just non-specific pain - with a healthcare professional.

RSI is often caused by a combination of a number of factors, including:

• Overuse and repetition
• Awkward or static posture
• Insufficient recovery time
• A lack of RSI preventative products
• And of course, stress.

The important thing to remember is that workstation related illnesses are preventable and treatable. For your health and safety, it is absolutely vital that the early warning signs are not ignored.

If you think you may have a workstation related illness, Physiotherapists working in occupational health services are well placed to advise employers on appropriate equipment for employees and to help make the safest use of the equipment available to them. To find out more go to our Useful Links section.

How can they be prevented?

As a computer user or someone responsible for workstation users, you can prevent conditions that may lead to workstation related illnesses. Even just a simple workplace assessment, using a thorough check-list, can help you to identify 'hot-spots' and take appropriate action to rectify them.

Very often low-cost investments by employers, such as a wrist rest or back support, can help you and your employees avoid potentially costly long-term injuries.

If you think that you or an employee may be suffering from a workstation related illness, don't worry, there are treatment and therapy options available to help. See our online workstation assessment or go to useful links for details of RSI specialists and organizations.