Arm Pain at Work

Are you concerned about arm pain at work?

Are you concerned that you might have a problem with Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) or Upper Limb Disorders (ULD) but you don’t know whether it is work-related? With so many of us spending all day on computers there is a real risk of developing an injury. So its not surprising that nearly 25% of us think our arm pain is due to our posture at work and another 40% think its due to repetitive movementssuch as keying.

Do your staff complain of these problems

• Neck pain
• Tennis elbow
• Shoulder pain
• Strained muscles
• Carpel Tunnel Syndrome

If so, they do they could be suffering from RSI or ULDs.

Is it your problem if your staff have arm pain?

Well aside from any absence your staff might take it is actually impossible to work quickly and effectively if you are in pain so that can’t be good for your business. Besides as an employer you have a legal responsibility to make sure the work does not cause ill health. If they are complaining of any of the symptoms listed below than you need to know is it due to their work and do you need to do anything to prevent and/or reduce the problem of RSI or ULDs.

Symptoms of RSI and arm pain

• Pain or discomfort
• Aching or tenderness
• Numbness and Tingling
• Burning sensation
• Weakness and difficulty gripping
• Stiffness and loss of movement

What can you do as an employer to reduce arm pain at work?

The good news is that the symptoms of RSI or ULD are much easier to manage the earlier you deal with the problem. In fact most people can make a full and complete recovery if the problem is dealt with quickly and professionally. The most reliable way of controlling RSI is through early referral to specialists such as physiotherapists for treatment, and a co-ordinated work-based rehabilitation programme.

You can reduce arm pain and save money at the same time?

Of course you may be concerned that investing in these programmes will be hugely expensive but actually this isn’t the case. In fact a return of 400% has been shown for businesses that invest in the health and wellbeing of their staff. So you can save your business money and look after your staff at the same time.

How do you want to manage Arm Pain at your work.

For information on training and Using Computers at Work

For help with assessing jobs that may be contribute to RSI try the HSE indicator tool

Download a WorkFuture DSE Risk Assessment Form

CALL US ON 0845 450 7316 TO DISCUSS  MANAGING RSI AT YOUR WORKPLACE