1. RMI REPETITIVE MOTION INJURIES
Today I would like to talk about RMI’s
Repetitive Motion Injuries

2. What is RMI REGULARLY REPEATED MOVEMENTS They are injuries caused by
What are RMI’s and What causes them
Basically they are some motions that we do over and over again

3. RMI’s examples Work Hobbies Sports
Doing the same physical tasks over and over
Hobbies
Knitting, sewing or playing musical instruments
Sports
Tennis, golf, baseball or bowling
A person can get this type of injury in a variety of ways and not just at work

4. RMI’s can affect Upper and lower arms & elbows
Wrists, hands and fingers
Shoulders and neck
Chest, abdomen and other areas
May occasionally affect lower limbs & back
Here are some of the areas that can be affected.
The ones you hear about the most are the wrists, hands and fingers
However the shoulders and neck RMI’s are caused a lot of time by cradling a phone between your neck and shoulder while performing other tasks

5. Why learn about RMI’s They are very common
They can be or become serious
Learning about them can help you
Can be very costly to you and the company
Can affect or change your life style
Can be permanent
You may think that they can’t happen to you - but they can
They can be painful, costly and very permanent

6. Motions that cause RMI’s
Lifting - stacking, loading objects or boxes
Twisting - using a screwdriver or nut driver
Squeezing - clippers, scissors or other tools
Hammering, stapling or securing boxes
Finger and hand movements - pressing keys
Pushing and pulling - carts or racks
As you can see there are many motions that can cause RMI’s

7. Sorry !
Using your brain
too much
is not a RMI

8. Increase risk factors Constant repetition - tissue doesn’t recover
Force - pressure on muscles
Awkward posture - stand, sit or walk
Lack of rest - even from typing
Sharp or hard objects
Vibration
Cold temperatures
Improperly designed tools, controls or work areas
There are also many risk factors that can increase the likely hood that a RMI could occur.

9. Basic types of RMI’s Tendonitis Tenosynovitis
CTS - Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
Circulation Problems
These are the 4 basic types of RMI’s
Most of you are probably familiar with Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

10. Common Symptoms of RMI’s
Numbness
Tingling sensation, soreness or pain
Difficulty in eating, driving & writing due to weakness
Skin that turns pale or cold
Difficulty moving fingers, shoulder, elbow or wrist
Here are some of the more common symptoms
Each of you should take heed if you have these early warning signs

11. Treatment for RMI’s Early detection and care is important
Notify Safety team member / supervisor / manager / HR immediately
See a qualified health care provider
Restricted Motion
Medication
Heat and/or cold treatments
Exercises
Changes in your job, tools or work area
There are many different types of treatment depending what your symptoms are
The key here is detect it early and inform someone here of your condition

12. Ways to prevent RMI’s Report symptoms right away
Increase work gradually in a new job
Reduce repetitions
Change positions
Adjust chair, work surface, keyboard, etc.
Pace yourself
Elbows at right angles to keyboard
Wrist as straight as possible
Pad corners, use cushioned tools
There are also many things that each of you can do to help yourself avoid RMI’s
But the most important way to prevent RMI’s is to report the problem as early as possible

13. Create a healthy workplace
Report all symptoms as soon as possible
Suggest changes - improve comfort & safety
Follow all safety procedures
Use Proper Protective Equipment
Follow treatment plan at home & work
Here are some other things that you can do to help prevent RMI’s

14. Remember
An RMI can be caused or made worse by what you do OFF the job too.
Make changes in activities outside of work too if necessary.
Staying healthy pays off for you and for the company.
One example of RMI is a contract employee here at work that got a RMI from golfing.
This person knew she had hurt herself - but liked golfing so much that she continued to pay on.
Needless to say she now has seen a doctor and is wearing a brace and may not get to golf again.
So stay healthy and be careful your golf swing - thank you