1. RSI Action - When? Stephen Fisher Chairman of Trustees RSI Action… (the UK RSI charity) www.RSIaction.org.uk Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

2. RSI Action - When? What is the real impact of RSI? to the individual / company / society? What does recovery mean? level of functionality and capacity? how long will it take, what treatment is required? When to take action - to achieve a successful return to work? Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

3. My RSI injury - 1 Principal Engineer with major UK aerospace company, 32 years service. In April 2002 I was responsible for the flight trials of a new European missile bid. It was demanding, interesting & rewarding work. Compile detailed technical equipment and trials specifications: contract deadlines; new requirements; intense PC work; long hours. No H&S assessment, no H&S training, so early symptoms were missed. Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

4. My RSI injury - 2 In April 2002 I was working at my PC and experienced intense and sudden pain … “… a bolt of lightning on the back of my hand” Immediate impact: PC; writing; phone; driving; everyday activities. Poor understanding of my condition by both employer and doctor. No treatment available. Employer response: slow; cautious; no budget; no responsibility. Long-term sickness – medical retirement at 52. Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

5. Treatment Protection Removal of any exacerbating movement or activity, rest. Treatment Private - Osteopath (2 per week) trigger point therapy, acupuncture, deep tissue massage. NHS – Ibuprofen. Posture Improve posture, gently increase exercise. Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

6. My Recovery First year Pain most of the time, some success, many setbacks Year 2 Introduced exercise (swimming and pilates) Year 7 Treatment over £10,000. Capacity is still limited, particularly for PC writing, and driving. Pacing and self-management very important. Maintenance osteopathic treatment. Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

7. Could it have been prevented? Hazards & risks? DSE hazards are well-documented Early RSI symptoms? Aches, limited control and movement, stiffness Could it have been prevented? Yes. Compliance with H&S regulations Awareness – early symptoms – early action Is my case unique? No. The incidence of RSI injuries is increasing. Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

8. Statistics and facts European workers – 62% report repetitive hand or arm movement 23% (54 million workers) muscular pain 45% painful or tiring positions by 2008 38% use PC more than 75% of time UK workers – 374,000 have WR neck or upper limb disorder 4.7 million days lost to upper limb disorder 73% of DSE users - at least 1 MSD symptom Incidence rate of ULDs risen 35% (> 2000/1) Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

9. Degrees of RSI www.RSIrescue.com 1 st Degree RSI – Occasional unpredictable aching. Simple measures should result in full recovery. 2 nd Degree RSI – Frequent or predictable burning, throbbing etc. Further measures & treatment should result in full recovery. 3 rd Degree RSI – Constant pain, improper nerve sensations. Strength or endurance problems. Significant treatment, long partial recovery. Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

10. RSI support organisations Support groups and RSI charities –invaluable support, advise & information –mutual help to solve problems –identify and encourage best practice Formed new UK charity RSI ACTION… –RSI Association ceased in 2004 –New charity formed in 2006 –Identify the problems, be part of the solutions Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

11. Prevention RSI and MSD injuries are preventable EU directives 1990 - UK Regs 1992 Hazards and risks – 21 st century New technology, intense work Regulations - compliance - protection Changes to directives? Enforcement? Risk assessment “… waste of time!” Court of Appeal Treatment and management of RSI Develop and provide best practice Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

12. RTW & Re-integration Return To Work programme Injured worker must be central to RTW program Vulnerable – lower thresholds Ensure expectations not too high Prevent further overuse or injury Provide appropriate treatment Physio, ergonomics, appropriate exercise Remove unnecessary risks Stress, work rate, deadlines, pressure Bilbao 26 Feb 2008

13. RSI Action - When? What is the real impact of RSI? What does recovery mean? When to take action for a successful RTW? Take ACTION now … Bilbao 26 Feb 2008