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RSI Action - When?

RSI Action - When?. Stephen Fisher Chairman of Trustees RSI Action… (the UK RSI charity) www.RSIaction.org.uk. RSI Action - When?. What is the real impact of RSI? to the individual / company / society? What does recovery mean? level of functionality and capacity?

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RSI Action - When?

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  1. RSI Action - When? Stephen Fisher Chairman of Trustees RSI Action… (the UK RSI charity) www.RSIaction.org.uk

  2. RSI Action - When? What is the real impact of RSI? to the individual / company / society? What does recovery mean? level of functionality and capacity? how long will it take, what treatment is required? When to take action - to achieve a successful return to work?

  3. My RSI injury - 1 • Principal Engineer with major UK aerospace company, 32 years service. • In April 2002 I was responsible for the flight trials of a new European missile bid. It was demanding, interesting & rewarding work. • Compile detailed technical equipment and trials specifications: contract deadlines; new requirements; intense PC work; long hours. • No H&S assessment, no H&S training, so early symptoms were missed.

  4. My RSI injury - 2 • In April 2002 I was working at my PC and experienced intense and sudden pain … “… a bolt of lightning on the back of my hand” • Immediate impact: PC; writing; phone; driving; everyday activities. • Poor understanding of my condition by both employer and doctor. No treatment available. • Employer response: slow; cautious; no budget; no responsibility. • Long-term sickness – medical retirement at 52.

  5. Treatment Protection • Removal of any exacerbating movement or activity, rest. Treatment • Private - Osteopath (2 per week) trigger point therapy, acupuncture, deep tissue massage. • NHS – Ibuprofen. Posture • Improve posture, gently increase exercise.

  6. My Recovery First year • Pain most of the time, some success, many setbacks Year 2 • Introduced exercise (swimming and pilates) Year 7 • Treatment over £10,000. • Capacity is still limited, particularly for PC writing, and driving. • Pacing and self-management very important. Maintenance osteopathic treatment.

  7. Could it have been prevented? Hazards & risks? DSE hazards are well-documented Early RSI symptoms? Aches, limited control and movement, stiffness Could it have been prevented? Yes. Compliance with H&S regulations Awareness – early symptoms – early action Is my case unique? No. The incidence of RSI injuries is increasing.

  8. Statistics and facts European workers – 62% report repetitive hand or arm movement 23% (54 million workers) muscular pain 45% painful or tiring positions by 2008 38% use PC more than 75% of time UK workers – 374,000 have WR neck or upper limb disorder 4.7 million days lost to upper limb disorder 73% of DSE users - at least 1 MSD symptom Incidence rate of ULDs risen 35% (> 2000/1)

  9. Degrees of RSI www.RSIrescue.com 1st Degree RSI – Occasional unpredictable aching. Simple measures should result in full recovery. 2nd Degree RSI – Frequent or predictable burning, throbbing etc. Further measures & treatment should result in full recovery. 3rd Degree RSI – Constant pain, improper nerve sensations. Strength or endurance problems. Significant treatment, long partial recovery.

  10. RSI support organisations Support groups and RSI charities • invaluable support, advise & information • mutual help to solve problems • identify and encourage best practice Formed new UK charity RSI ACTION… • RSI Association ceased in 2004 • New charity formed in 2006 • Identify the problems, be part of the solutions

  11. Prevention RSI and MSD injuries are preventable EU directives 1990 - UK Regs 1992 Hazards and risks – 21st century New technology, intense work Regulations - compliance - protection Changes to directives? Enforcement? Risk assessment “… waste of time!” Court of Appeal Treatment and management of RSI Develop and provide best practice

  12. RTW & Re-integration Return To Work programme Injured worker must be central to RTW program Vulnerable – lower thresholds Ensure expectations not too high Prevent further overuse or injury Provide appropriate treatment Physio, ergonomics, appropriate exercise Remove unnecessary risks Stress, work rate, deadlines, pressure

  13. RSI Action - When? What is the real impact of RSI? What does recovery mean? When to take action for a successful RTW? Take ACTION now …

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