Social Sustainability
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
Definition
Repetitive strain injury is an umbrella term for disorders of muscles, tendons and nerves — such as tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and epicondylitis — caused or aggravated by repetitive movements, forceful exertion, vibration, and sustained or awkward postures at work. It affects keyboard workers, assembly line staff, musicians, meatpackers and many others, and is a leading category of work-related musculoskeletal disorder.
References
Overview
How it is used
The term structures ergonomic risk assessment, workplace health surveillance, compensation claims and OHS guidance from bodies such as EU-OSHA and the UK HSE.
Why it matters
Musculoskeletal disorders are among the largest causes of work disability worldwide; RSI is their most preventable face.