Stop RSI in its tracks: Safe handling for a healthier workforce

SafeWorkforce: Your partner in workplace safety

At SafeWorkforce, we understand the importance of workplace health and safety. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and manual handling are critical concerns that can impact productivity and employee well-being. That’s why we’re committed to providing the tools and training needed to minimise risks and create a safer working environment.

International RSI awareness day: Why it matters

Every year, on the last day of February, International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day serves as a reminder of the serious impact of repetitive motion injuries in the workplace. It’s a day to highlight prevention strategies, educate employers and workers, and promote safer work practices. By raising awareness and implementing effective measures, businesses can reduce the risk of RSIs and support their employees’ long-term health.

Did you know?

• RSI affects up to half a million workers in the UK each year.
• If ignored, RSI can cause long-term disability.
• RSI can often be prevented by making very small changes to your work technique or work environment.

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and manual handling: Prevention and best practices

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and manual handling are critical concerns in workplace health and safety. Understanding their implications and implementing preventive measures can significantly reduce the risk of injury.

Understanding RSIs

RSIs are injuries caused by performing repeated motions over extended periods, affecting tendons, muscles, and joints. Common activities leading to RSIs include typing, manual labour, and repetitive tasks in various industries. Symptoms often involve pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the affected areas.

Preventing RSIs

Preventing RSIs involves ergonomic adjustments, regular breaks, and exercises:

• Ergonomic adjustments: Ensure workstations are designed to promote good posture and reduce strain.
• Regular breaks: Taking periodic breaks to rest and stretch can alleviate continuous stress on specific muscle groups.
• Stretching and strengthening exercises: Incorporate exercises that enhance flexibility and strength to support musculoskeletal health.

The hidden risks of manual handling: Understanding RSI and workplace injuries

Manual handling tasks—such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling—can put significant strain on the body, making them a leading cause of Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). Repetitive movements, awkward postures, and excessive force can overexert muscles and tendons, leading to pain and discomfort, particularly in the hands, wrists, arms, and shoulders. But RSI is just one of many musculoskeletal disorders linked to poor manual handling practices. From back pain and slipped discs to crushing injuries, failing to manage manual handling risks properly can have serious consequences for both workers and employers.

Manual handling and its importance

As an employer, you must protect your workers from the risk of injury from hazardous manual handling in the workplace. Training can be important in raising awareness and reducing risk, but it won’t ensure safe manual handling on its own. Employers must also implement appropriate risk assessments, safety procedures, and mechanical aids where necessary.

Common other injuries from poor manual handling

Common injuries include:

• Back pain: Often resulting from improper lifting techniques or handling heavy loads.
• Strains: Injuries to muscles or tendons due to overstretching or overexertion.
• Hernias: Occur when an internal part of the body pushes through a weakness in the muscle or surrounding tissue wall.
• Slipped discs: A condition where a soft cushion of tissue between the bones in the spine pushes out.
• Crushing of extremities: Injuries where fingers, hands, toes, or feet are caught between objects.

SafeWorkforce’s top tips for safe manual handling

To minimise the risk of injury, consider the following guidelines:

1. Conduct a manual handling risk assessment: Evaluate tasks to identify potential hazards and implement measures to mitigate risks.
2. Remember the Acronym TILE:
   • Task: Assess the nature of the task, including the weight and distance of the load to be moved.
   • Individual: Consider the capabilities of the person performing the task.
   • Load: Examine the characteristics of the load, such as weight, size, and stability.
   • Environment: Evaluate the surroundings where the task will be performed, including space constraints and surface conditions.
3. Provide correct training: Ensure employees receive training tailored to their specific tasks, emphasising safe handling techniques. Regular refresher courses can help maintain awareness and update workers on best practices.
4. Use mechanical lifting aids: Utilise equipment like trolleys, hoists, or conveyors to assist with moving heavy or awkward loads, reducing physical strain on workers.

SafeWorkforce: Supporting your business

By prioritising safe manual handling practices and addressing the risks associated with repetitive tasks, employers can create a safer workplace, reducing the incidence of RSIs and other musculoskeletal injuries.

SafeWorkforce provides expert guidance, training, and compliance support to help businesses protect their workforce.