April 26th, 2010 | 
Author: Employers are supposed to ensure that they carry out their duty of care to employees. This applies equally to office workers as it does to shop floor workers.
For instance, anyone using a computer should be working in a suitably safe environment. The seating and monitor should be set at the correct height; keyboard wrist rests should be available if needed. Plus, regular breaks should be taken.
Information about potential risks should always be available and visible at all times in the office. This should include warnings and details of symptoms of RSI and associated disorders. The information must also tell employees that if they suspect they have symptoms of RSI that they must notify the employer immediately.
In short, while personal injury claims for RSI can and should be made, it is also important to realise that your chances of success in pursuing a personal injury claim will depend on your own behaviour as well as that of your employer.
If you believe that the steps outlined above have not been followed, then you are within your rights to make a claim against the employer’s liability insurance.
Recently our working patterns have changed with the use of mobile devices such as laptops, PDAs and Blackberrys. RSI injury can still occur and if you sustain the disorder while using your employer’s devices, it is possible that you could make a valid claim.
RSI is a serious condition that can result in you having to give up work. It shouldn’t be disregarded.
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