National Institute for Subatomic Physics

RSI in brief

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) or CANS (Complaints of Arms, Neck and Shoulders) are collective names for muscle and joint complaints of the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders and/or neck. These complaints result from repetitive movements and constant muscle tension. The complaints consist of chronic pain, stiffness, tingling and/or a cold or dead feeling.

Causes
RSI exists mainly due to the lengthy repetition of an ‘incorrect’ movement in combination with high pressure of work and stressful situations. The most common situation where RSI presents itself, is sitting behind the computer for a long period of time in an incorrect posture, where the arm/neck and shoulder muscles are tense for a long time.

Factors that can play a role in the occurrence/cause of RSI are:
•   Work related
-    Workload
-    Tasks assigned

•   Work place:
-    Monitor, keyboard and mouse
-    Chair, desk and accessories
-    Layout/design of the work place

•   Work situation
-    Sitting posture
-    Work technique

•   Working environment
-    Noise
-    Light/lighting
-    Climate

•   Private
-    Home situation

Workload is listed above as RSI appears to present itself after a short period of high workload and not so much after a longer period of low workload.

Prevention
People who work mainly with the computer or with any other sort of repetitive task should be alert. It is best to try to avoid the complaints and workers should be aware of the following points:
•   Work posture should be changed regularly.
•   Variety in working conditions is important.
•   Take enough breaks to relax the muscles.
•   Go carefully with the pressure of work and the load that this puts on you.
•   The arrangement of furniture and appliances used is important. Avoid disruptive factors such as cold, dampness, noise and bad lighting.
•   Be aware of physical complaints and register them early.

RSI is a difficult condition that is often underestimated. The diagnosis is sometimes difficult to make especially because the ailment presents itself in different ways.

If indeed an RSI related complaint presents itself, report this to line-management, works medical officer/doctor or to the health and safety representative.

The summary of NIKHEF’s RSI policy (PZ-060073) and other health and safety information can be found here. The policy document is also available from the SVM (Health Physics) department.