Monitoring
health/stress management
Health surveillance
can play an important role in the prevention of RSI by detecting
symptoms early so that remedial action can be taken. It should be seen
as an essential backup to the preventive measures taken to design RSI
out of the workplace. The Management of Health and Safety at Work
Regulations require employers to provide health surveillance where:
- There is an
identifiable disease or adverse health condition related to the work.
- Valid techniques
are available to detect indications of the disease or condition.
- There is a
reasonable likelihood that the disease or condition may occur under the
particular work conditions.
- Surveillance is
likely to further the protection of the employees' health.
The
interaction of mind, body and environment play a unique role in each
case of RSI and there is some debate as to what extent employers are
responsible where stress is a factor. However, monitoring employees'
health and creating an open and supportive work culture will certainly
help to minimise the risk.
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