Minimising Risks
Ergonomics

The range of treatments for repetitive strain injury is quite diverse and growing all the The range of treatments for repetitive strain injury is quite diverse and growing all the time. However, prevention being better than cure, the chances of continued good health are greatest when steps are taken to minimise the risk of injuries developing.
 
Many conditions appear to be cumulative rather than sudden and prevention includes understanding the ergonomic factors which are implicated in RSI. These include work station design and environmental factors such as vibration and climate.
 
Consider all the ways and circumstances in which your equipment or system is being used and then ask yourself:

• does it suit your body size?
• can you see and hear all you need to readily?
• do errors occur frequently, and is it easy to recover from them?
• is it compatible with other systems in use?
• does the equipment or system cause discomfort if you use it for any length of time?
• If so, do other users have similar reactions?

Such questions can help to identify possible mismatches between the abilities and physical attributes of people and the demands of the equipment with which they work. A systematic evaluation by trained staff may be needed to identify more obscure problems.

Download RSIA Factsheet

www.ergonomics.org.uk (External link)

Additional information on Ergonomics

Minimising Risks
General Lifestyle
Ergonomics
Alternative Technology
Workplace Health & Safety
What can you do
General
Reporting Hazards
Stress Management
Workplace Assessements
Trade Union
What can your employer do
General
Work Culture
Tasks & Equipment
The Individual
Physical Environment
Monitoring Health / Stress Management
Code of Practice

What is RSI   -   Conditions & RSI   -   Treatment & Managing RSI    -   Advice & Research    -   RSI Hazards

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