Ergonomic Assessment for the Prevention of RSI

Repetitive strain injuries (RSI), also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), are due to damage to muscles and tendons. Some common symptoms are stiffness or pain in the neck, shoulders or back, and tiredness, numbness, tingling or pain in the arms, wrists, hands or fingers.

There are various potential causes of RSI such as sedentary work, maintaining poor or prolonged static awkward postures, working with frequent repetitive hand or wrist movements such as typing and pipetting, contact pressure and lack of physical fitness.

It is important to be aware of the types of injuries that can occur and to take action to reduce their likelihood. RSI can be prevented or reduced by setting up of the workstation (office/labs) ergonomically, using appropriate ergonomic equipment where required.  

As a rule of thumb, take intermittent short breaks by getting up and moving away from the workstations every 30-40 minutes. The best position is the next position. Vary your posture regularly, alternating between sitting and standing throughout the day. This would not only help prevent muscle stiffness, take pressure off your lower back but also increase metabolism and blood circulation helping to re-energize fatigued muscles. [1]

Additionally a properly set-up office/lab workstation helps workers maintain a comfortable, neutral body posture, with the joints naturally aligned, reducing stress and strain on the muscles, tendons, and skeletal system, and minimising the risk of developing MSDs.

For an ergonomic assessment of office and workstations, please email Ganeema.Tohki@mimr-phi.org

A 2-hour Ergonomic Champions Information Session is offered by Monash OHS. For more information and to register for the session, visit the following website: http://www.adm.monash.edu.au/staff-development/ws/ohs/erg-champ.html