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RSI Prevention
& Ergonomic Assessment
DSE Regulations 1992 · WRULD · Carpal Tunnel Syndrome · MSD Prevention
RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) prevention through professional DSE assessments, ergonomic workstation evaluations, and workplace risk management. Reduce musculoskeletal disorders and ensure DSE Regulations compliance.
Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis
30-minute Compliance Call Valued at £750+
What Happens on Your Free Gap Analysis Call:
- 1.30-minute consultation
- 2.We review your current H&S arrangements
- 3.We identify 1-10 critical compliance gaps you're missing
Identify 1+ gaps, or you receive a £50 gift card. Only 20 consultations are available every month.
RSI in the Workplace — Causes, Symptoms, Prevention & Employer Duties
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), also known as Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD), is one of the most common occupational health conditions in the UK. Under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA), the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 (DSE Regulations), employers have a legal duty to assess and prevent RSI risks in the workplace.
RSI describes pain, discomfort, or damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, and soft tissues caused by repetitive movements, sustained awkward postures, or prolonged overuse — particularly affecting the upper body. The HSE estimates that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for approximately 7.3 million working days lost per year in the UK, with RSI being a significant contributor.
RSI most commonly affects the:
- Hands and wrists — carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Forearms and elbows — tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis), golfer's elbow
- Shoulders and neck — rotator cuff injuries, cervical spine disorders
- Upper back — thoracic outlet syndrome, myofascial pain
RSI is especially prevalent in office-based work, prolonged computer and display screen use, manufacturing, warehousing, logistics, and any role involving repetitive manual tasks.
What Is Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?
Repetitive Strain Injury is a cumulative, progressive condition — meaning it develops gradually over time rather than from a single incident. It is classified as a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) and encompasses a range of specific conditions including carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, tenosynovitis, epicondylitis, and bursitis.
RSI is typically associated with:
- Repeated movements performed over extended periods without adequate rest
- Prolonged use of muscles without variation or recovery time
- Poor workstation design — incorrect chair height, screen position, keyboard and mouse placement
- Awkward, static, or sustained postures — particularly when using display screen equipment
RSI is commonly reported among:
- Computer and display screen equipment (DSE) users — office and home workers
- Assembly line and manufacturing workers
- Checkout operators and retail workers
- Warehouse workers, packers, and logistics operatives
- Musicians, hairdressers, and manual craft workers
The HSE reports that approximately one in 50 workers in the UK reports RSI symptoms, making it one of the most widespread occupational health conditions.
Symptoms of RSI (WRULD)
Symptoms of RSI vary in severity and progression. Early recognition is critical for successful treatment. Common symptoms include:
Pain or tenderness in muscles, joints, or soft tissues
Stiffness, reduced mobility, or loss of range of motion
Throbbing, burning, or aching sensations
Tingling, numbness, or pins and needles — particularly in the fingers and hands
Weakness, reduced grip strength, or loss of dexterity
Muscle cramps and fatigue
Swelling or inflammation in the affected area
Stages of RSI Development
Early Stage — Reversible
- Symptoms occur during or shortly after repetitive activity
- Pain improves with rest and overnight recovery
- Condition is typically reversible with early intervention
- Ergonomic adjustments and task modification are effective
Progressive Stage — Requires Treatment
- Symptoms worsen, last longer, and may not resolve with rest alone
- Swelling and inflammation may be present
- Pain can persist for weeks or months
- Medical treatment, physiotherapy, and workplace modifications required
Chronic Stage — Potentially Irreversible
- Symptoms become constant and affect daily living activities
- Grip strength and dexterity permanently affected
- Condition may become irreversible — requiring long-term management
- May result in long-term absence, redeployment, or ill-health retirement
Early intervention is critical — the earlier RSI is identified and addressed, the better the prognosis and recovery outcomes.
Workplace Causes and Risk Factors for RSI
RSI is primarily caused by overuse and repetitive loading of muscles, tendons, and nerves in the upper body.
Common Workplace Risk Factors
Repetitive Activities
Performing the same movements repeatedly — typing, clicking, assembly, packing
Prolonged Duration Without Breaks
Working for extended periods without adequate microbreaks or recovery time
Forceful Tasks
Lifting, gripping, pushing, pulling, or applying sustained force
Poor Posture and Workstation Design
Awkward, static, or unsupported working positions — particularly at display screen workstations
Cold Working Conditions
Reduced blood flow and muscle efficiency in cold environments
Vibrating Equipment
Use of vibrating tools and machinery — contributing to hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS)
Psychosocial factors — including workplace stress, high workload demands, limited job control, and poor work-life balance — can also contribute to RSI by increasing muscle tension and reducing recovery capacity.
Employer Duties and Legal Responsibilities for RSI Prevention
UK employers have a legal duty to identify, assess, and prevent the risk of RSI in the workplace.
This includes duties under:
- The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 (HSWA) — general duty of care
- The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 — risk assessment
- The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992 — DSE workstation assessment
- The Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992 — workstation and seating requirements
- The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998 (PUWER) — suitable equipment
Employers must:
- Carry out suitable and sufficient risk assessments for RSI hazards
- Implement practical control measures — ergonomic workstation setup, task rotation, break scheduling
- Provide DSE assessments for all habitual display screen users
- Provide information, instruction, and training on RSI prevention
- Act promptly on reported symptoms to prevent conditions worsening
- Offer eye tests and corrective spectacles for DSE users where required
How to Prevent RSI in the Workplace
RSI prevention focuses on early risk identification, ergonomic design, and practical control measures:
Risk Assessments — DSE and Ergonomic
Workstation and task-based risk assessments for all DSE users
Identification of repetitive, high-risk, and sustained activities
Assessment of home working and hybrid working setups
Ergonomic Workstation Setup
Correct chair, desk, screen, keyboard, and mouse positioning
Neutral wrist, arm, and shoulder postures — avoiding sustained flexion or extension
Provision of ergonomic accessories — keyboard trays, monitor arms, document holders
Good Posture Guidance
Forearms horizontal to the desk surface
Screen at eye level and at arm's length distance
Back supported and upright — feet flat on the floor
Shoulders relaxed — not hunched or elevated
Regular Breaks and Microbreaks
Short, frequent breaks are more effective than long, infrequent ones
The HSE recommends changing posture or activity every 20–30 minutes
Stretch breaks and movement routines reduce muscle fatigue
Task Variation and Job Rotation
Rotating tasks to reduce sustained repetitive movements
Varying activities to use different muscle groups throughout the day
Employee Communication and Early Reporting
Encouraging employees to report symptoms early — before progression
Acting promptly on reported symptoms with workplace adjustments
Creating a supportive culture where musculoskeletal concerns are taken seriously
When to Report RSI Symptoms
If you experience any of the following, report to your employer as soon as possible:
- Persistent pain, aching, or discomfort in the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders, or neck
- Tingling, numbness, or pins and needles during or after work
- Weakness, reduced grip strength, or difficulty performing tasks
Early action is essential. The sooner RSI is identified and addressed, the better the recovery outcome and the lower the risk of progression to a chronic, irreversible condition.
How Arinite Can Help Prevent and Manage RSI
Arinite supports organisations in preventing and managing work-related RSI through practical, legally compliant solutions:
- DSE assessments and ergonomic workstation evaluations — office and home working
- Task-based risk assessments for repetitive and manual activities
- RSI prevention training for employees and line managers
- Advice on workstation design, equipment selection, and task scheduling
- Support with reasonable adjustments under the Equality Act 2010
- Ongoing compliance support and review
We focus on prevention, early intervention, and practical improvements that reduce RSI risk and protect your people.
Get Expert Advice on RSI Prevention
If you're concerned about RSI risks in your workplace or want to improve ergonomic safety:
The Arinite Transformation™
From Reactive Firefighting to Proactive Health & Safety Compliance
REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)
What It Looks Like:
No formal HSE systems in place. Everything is reactive, waiting for something to go wrong. Documentation is missing or outdated.
Why It's Dangerous:
- ✗£50K-£150K average fine when (not if) HSE inspects
- ✗Can't bid on contracts requiring HSE certification
- ✗One accident away from director prosecution
This isn't just "non-compliant." It's criminally negligent. Directors face personal prosecution.
REACTIVE
(Where 60% of Businesses Operate)
What It Looks Like:
No formal HSE systems in place. Everything is reactive, waiting for something to go wrong. Documentation is missing or outdated.
Why It's Dangerous:
- ✗£50K-£150K average fine when (not if) HSE inspects
- ✗Can't bid on contracts requiring HSE certification
- ✗One accident away from director prosecution
This isn't just "non-compliant." It's criminally negligent. Directors face personal prosecution.
COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)
What It Looks Like:
Basic HSE documentation is in place. Minimum legal requirements met. You can pass a basic audit.
Why It's Better (But Not Enough):
- ✓Legal protection (no fines if inspected)
- ✓Can bid on contracts requiring certification
- ✓Pass basic client audits
- ✗Still reactive (problems arise, then you respond)
- ✗Compliance maintained by one person (bottleneck)
- ✗Systems don't run themselves
Compliance is where most consultants get you, then leave. You're legal, but you're not optimised.
COMPLIANCE
(Where Most Businesses Stop)
What It Looks Like:
Basic HSE documentation is in place. Minimum legal requirements met. You can pass a basic audit.
Why It's Better (But Not Enough):
- ✓Legal protection (no fines if inspected)
- ✓Can bid on contracts requiring certification
- ✓Pass basic client audits
- ✗Still reactive (problems arise, then you respond)
- ✗Compliance maintained by one person (bottleneck)
- ✗Systems don't run themselves
Compliance is where most consultants get you, then leave. You're legal, but you're not optimised.
PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)
What It Looks Like:
Systems run proactively (prevent problems before they occur). Compliance is distributed (not dependent on one person). HSE becomes a competitive advantage, not a cost centre.
Why It's Transformational:
- ✓Win more contracts (HSE certification opens doors)
- ✓Save 20+ hours/week (systems run themselves)
- ✓Peace of mind (sleep soundly, without the fear of prosecution)
- ✓Focus on your core business while we handle compliance
That's why 95%+ of clients renew year after year.
PROACTIVE
(Where Arinite Clients Operate)
What It Looks Like:
Systems run proactively (prevent problems before they occur). Compliance is distributed (not dependent on one person). HSE becomes a competitive advantage, not a cost centre.
Why It's Transformational:
- ✓Win more contracts (HSE certification opens doors)
- ✓Save 20+ hours/week (systems run themselves)
- ✓Peace of mind (sleep soundly, without the fear of prosecution)
- ✓Focus on your core business while we handle compliance
That's why 95%+ of clients renew year after year.
The Arinite Difference:
Other consultants get you to Stage 2 (Compliant) and disappear.
We get you to Stage 3 (Proactive) and keep you there.
That's why we call it transformation, not just compliance.
"We work with you to deliver peace of mind. We tailor our service provision to your business to provide proactive, pragmatic health and safety advice and that helps reduce costs by ensuring compliance with relevant health and safety legislation."
Robert Winsloe
Managing Director
From Hidden Gaps to Compliance
Our proven 3-step system has helped over 1,000 businesses eliminate enforcement risk, pass inspections, and protect directors from personal liability.
No guesswork. No generic templates. No box-ticking.
Free Health and Safety Gap Analysis Call
Identify what's missing before an inspector does.
A focused 30-minute health and safety assessment to expose weaknesses in your current arrangements.
What you get:
→ You leave knowing exactly where you're exposed and what to do about it.
Health and Safety Audit
Turn risk into documented compliance, fast.
We conduct a comprehensive health and safety audit of your workplace and ensure everything inspectors expect to see is in place. This covers risk assessments, workplace safety inspections, health and safety policy documentation, and every gap identified in Step 1.
What's included:
→ You move from exposed to defensible with evidence to prove it.
Outsource Your Health & Safety - The Arinite Partnership
We become your health and safety department. Your competent person. Your compliance team.
No chasing updates. No need to worry about changes in health and safety laws. No need to wonder if you've missed something. You focus on your core day-to-day business, Arinite handle the rest.
What we take ownership of:
→ Compliance handled. Risk controlled. Directors protected.
Why This Works
Most enforcement actions arise from systems being assumed rather than proven.
We don't advise. We don't hand over templates.
We build, implement, and maintain end-to-end health and safety compliance, and when we identify an action item, we proactively pursue and resolve it. That's the difference.
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Free Health & Safety Gap Analysis
30-minute Compliance Call Valued at £750+
What Happens on Your Free Gap Analysis Call:
- 1.30-minute consultation
- 2.We review your current H&S arrangements
- 3.We identify 1-10 critical compliance gaps you're missing
Identify 1+ gaps, or you receive a £50 gift card. Only 20 consultations are available every month.
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