Prevent RSI and upper-limb disorders

Introduction

There are more than 20 different conditions which can be described as upper-limb disorders (ULDs), or repetitive strain injury (RSI). ULDs can affect the neck, shoulders and arms - including hands, wrists, fingers and elbows.

A wide range of businesses carry out work that may involve a risk of ULDs. High-risk activities include:

• using hand-held tools or machinery - from screwdrivers to heavy industrial tools
• repetitive hand or arm movements, such as those involved in assembly-line work, food processing or packing
• using computers without taking the right precautions

This guide outlines your responsibilities in minimising the risks of ULDs in your business. It covers how to assess the various risks and the steps you can take to help prevent you or any of your employees developing one of these disorders.

Subjects covered in this guide

• Introduction
• Look out for causes of upper-limb disorders
• Review your processes to minimise upper-limb disorders
• Train staff to avoid upper-limb disorders
• Get the right working conditions to avoid upper-limb disorders
• Checklist: avoiding upper-limb disorders
• Here's how I created a safer working environment

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