Accident at work compensation news 26/02/2007
RSI costs revealed
It might not officially be classed as an accident
at work, but Repetitive Strain Injury is nevertheless
costing the British workplace a huge sum of money.
The latest statistics have revealed that Repetitive Strain
Injury, or RSI as it is more commonly known, is now costing
employers throughout the UK a massive £300 million every year.
Included in this figure is the cost of lost production, administration
and sick pay and health groups are urging more to be done
in the fight against RSI.
Repetitive Strain Injury was once dismissed by employers
and those who claimed to be suffering from it were often branded
as malingerers and hypochondriacs. It is now known, however,
to be a very real problem and should be viewed with the same
concern and attention as other, more obvious, accidents
at work.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapists has revealed that
RSI now affects more than 370,000 people in the UK and 86,000
new cases were reported last year.
The society's chairman, Sarah Bazin, commented on the subject,
saying, "Employers are losing hundreds of millions of pounds
every year through RSI. This is totally unnecessary as RSI
can be avoided."
She also added, "We urge all employers to use occupational
health physiotherapists. Physios can advise on appropriate
equipment and safe working practices for staff.
"Taking regular, short breaks throughout the day and reporting
symptoms early on can help.
"Employers who invest in the health of their workforce can
expect to see a reduction in sickness absence and a more productive
workforce."
The Health and Safety Executive, the body responsible for
cutting personal injuries caused by accidents
at work in the UK, has undertaken its own research into
the problem of RSI.
It found that those most at risk of suffering Repetitive
Strain Injury were metal, plastic and textile workers, followed
closely by bricklayers, carpenters and plumbers. Next followed
nurses, journalists and computer technicians.
The location of where people suffering from RSI was also
noted and it was found that England's North East had the highest
rate with 1.3 of all 100 workers affected, while London had
the lowest with just 0.59 per 100.
Some employers have now added RSI prevention to their agenda
and spend as much time and money trying to stop it as they
do other accidents at work.
Royal Mail is one such company, as Group Head of Health Doctor
Su Wang explained, saying, "Many jobs within Royal Mail involve
physical duties.
"Through the use of a Functional Restoration Programme, including
physiotherapy, we estimate that we have saved in excess of
£1 million a year, costs we would otherwise have incurred
through absence and restricted duties.
"The programme has also been of benefit as we have been able
to retain experienced staff and it has helped to foster good
relationships with our workforce."
For more information about preventing Repetitive Strain Injury
and other accidents at work, go to www.hse.gov.uk.
