Once called repetitive strain injury (RSI) occupational
overuse syndrome (OOS) is a type of injury common to fingers, hands, wrists and
elbows but can also affect the tendons and muscles of the shoulders, back and
neck.
Symptoms usually start gradually, sometimes with stiffness
and weakness. Or you may feel a burning, aching or throbbing pain. Other common
symptoms of OOS are numbness, muscle weakness, swelling or restricted mobility
of the affected joint.
What causes OOS?
We used to associate OOS only with repetitive actions,
particularly typing. Repetitive activities are one common cause of OOS but you
can also develop it from working in a fixed or awkward posture for a long time.
The following occupations may pose a risk.
- Office work – such as typing and
clerical duties
- Process work – such as assembly
line and packing
- Manual work – such as bricklaying
and carpentry
You are also at risk if you play certain sports like golf or
tennis (tennis elbow is an overuse injury) or use certain machinery such as
hand-held power tools.
Reduce your risk
The way your workplace is designed can increase or decrease
your risk of OOS. You are more at risk if the furniture or equipment is awkward
to us – too high or too far away from your body for instance – or the workspace
design means you have to bend, stretch or twist a lot.
Try the following to make things more comfortable:
- Use ergonomically designed
furniture and equipment where possible
- Rearrange your workspace to keep
everything within easy reach
- Keep benches at waist height so
your shoulders can relax and your arms can bend gently at your elbow
- At the computer, adjust the
height of your chair so your elbows are level with the keyboard
- Vary tasks so you are not
performing the same action all day
- Take frequent breaks
Speak to your manager if you are experiencing any symptoms
of OOS. There may be ways to improve work practices and your workspace. If
symptoms do not improve or they get worse, see your doctor.