National Institute for Subatomic Physics
BeleidPolicy

For Nikhef Users»Departments»Supporting Departments»ARBO & Safety»ARBO English»RSI

RSI Policy (in Brief)

Introduction

Preventing and combating Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) are issues concerning everyone within the Institute. Constant effort is required to make and keep everyone aware of the risks involved and how to minimize those risks. The following indicates the policy on the matter, in brief.  For a more detailed description of policy see:

RSI_beleid_Nikhef.pdf (Dutch)

Target

The targets of the RSI policy are:

  • Prevention of RSI through awareness and diagnosis.
  • Finding the correct treatment for staff with an RSI complaint.
  • Reintroducing staff with an RSI complaint back into the work process..
  • These targets can be achieved with a systematic approach:
  • Detecting the risk factors that can lead to RSI complaints and identifying staff with RSI complaints.
  • Taking preventative actions, which focus on reducing the observed risks.
  • Taking curative actions, with respect to treatment, coaching and re-integration of  staff with RSI.

Line-management:

  • is responsible for all Health & Safety at Work matters in his/her respective department/group/program.
  • should mention  RSI in consultations with staff.
  • can invite the Health & Safety Dept (SVM) experts to give explanation and or instruction to his/her department/group/program.
  • can ask on behalf of his/her colleagues for assistance from the  Monitor & Workplace experts (SVM)..
  • should, for new staff, shortly after recruitment, have their workplace checked by the Monitor & Workplace experts(SVM).
  • is aware of the signs of stress and RSI in staff, and has received training to this end.
  • should ensure that staff follow instructions regarding safe and healthy working practices.
  • discusses as standard  in  the annual performance review, the subject of RSI, stress, work pressure and working conditions.
  • speaks at the earliest possible stage to the company doctor and  staff member involved about possible changes in the nature of the work in order to prevent absence through illness .

Member of Staff

The member of staff has a personal responsibility to prevent RSI and stress at work.

He/She:

  • should be aware of any complaints and report them (to line-management and to a staff member of the SVM department) and where necessary take early steps to remedy the situation.
  • can make an appointment with the company doctor, physiotherapist and or Monitor & Workplace expert.
  • should follow expert advice.
  • needs to take initiative if recommended changes to the workplace are  not made promptly.
  • must, by high pressure of work or a reduction in working conditions, notify his/her  line-management (immediate supervisor) and request them  to take action.

Working with a laptop is clearly worse (ergonomically speaking) than working at a normal personal computer station. It is advised that this be kept to a maximum of two hours a day.

Should the laptop be utilized for longer, then the following accessories should be used:

  • separate keyboard
  • separate mouse
  • laptop support

These accessories are available through the SVM department.

Assessment of the workplace
Staff can ask for their workplace to be assessed by the dept SVM workstation Monitor & Workplace experts, Marcel Vervoort or Nico Rem.

Company Doctor
For members of staff that have an RSI complaint an individual treatment plan will be drawn up by the company doctor. The company doctor monitors the progress of this plan.

An appointment with the doctor can be made through the PZ department (Personnel Zaken).

The doctor holds appointments twice a month in Room M294 (CWI) from 13.00-15.00 pm. On other days the company doctor can be seen during consulting hours at the “Arbo dienst” (Occupational  Health Centre) in Amsterdam.