Abstract
With computers being more widely accepted, not just by Industry and Commerce but by the general public at large, Repetitive Strain Injuries could hit plague proportions by the year 1990. The costs will ultimately be borne by just two groups of People: The Employers and The Manufacturers, and this could send many of these to the bankruptcy courts. Safety Professionals need to look at the causes of the injury; the effects on the Company, the injured worker and the Community. How to prevent the injury from occurring; and how to rehabilitate the already injured worker. This is certainly one case where "Prevention is better than Cure".
• General Lifestyle — diet, sleep and rest, alcohol, tobacco and fitness level
• Age
• Muscle Endurance — when returning to the workforce from a prolonged absence
• Family History — previous history of arthritis
• Physical physique — strength in muscles and joints
When some of the above ergonomic and individual factors combine, the likelihood of an employee suffering from a repetitive strain injury is greatly increased. This can be further compounded by individuals doing repetitive/strenuous work outside the work place, e.g. working wife/mother, hobbyists, sportsmen/ sportswomen, etc.
Get full access to this article
View all access options for this article.