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
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