R S I

or how evolution cannot keep up with our progress

ARBOCATALOGUS Nederlandse universiteiten 2009-5045 ACNU KANS GP4b CANS presentation (UK version).ppt

Subject: CANSGood Practice #4b: PowerPoint presentation CANS (UK)

RSI in 3 stages Ergonomics Posture Prevention

What is RSI? Diagnose, Symptoms Direct causes Indirect causes

(risk factors)

Subjects

RSIRepetitive Strain Injury

Repetitive = repeated Strain = too much

tension Injury = damage

The RSI syndrome is a collective name

for complaints from overstraining

as a result of repeated work

Diagnose RSI?

Most common(80%) is a painful hand, arm, shoulder and neck

A medical diagnose in only 10 - 20% Tennis elbow, golf elbow Inflammation of tendon or tendon sheath Carpal tunnel syndrome

Symptoms/Complaints

Local cramp and tiredness Pain: nagging or sharp can

radiate Tingling (paraesthesia) Loss of control and strength Stiffness Dysfunctions and

restrictions

Neck 20 %

Elbow6 %

Shoulder 19% Wrist/hand/fingers

11%

(Dutch Labour Inspection examined in 1997, 2000 civil servants.)

Direct causes

Static load:continuous (over)straining of the muscles in neck, shoulder, arms and fingers

Dynamic load:Repeated movements in combination with extreme postures

Indirect causes (Risk factors) 5

W’s Working times (duration) Work pressure (deadlines, stress) Work place (furniture, equipment) Work method (visual aspects,

instructions) Work tasks (organising tasks)

Causes may lead to

Nerve damage as a result of pressure

Straining of muscles and tendons

RSI complaints in 3 stages:

Light to very serious Temporary to permanent While working to lasting after work

Phase 1: Rookie

Pain during work or after extensive work Complaints are local Clear relation between work and pain Phase 1 can last for years

Phase 2: Experienced

Pain radiates Pain and tiredness do not disappear

entirely after work Work can become restricted Complaints occur during normal daily

activities

Phase 3: “Die hards”

Continuous pain even at night Pain can transfer to other limbs Work can become impossible Injury can become permanent Even light activities can be very painful

Conclusion… The problem is real ”THE SOLUTION” doesn’t exist Prevention is better than curing Variation in activities Awareness of (physical) stress

Balance in the 5W’s

The 5 W’s

Working times (duration) Work pressure (deadlines, stress) Work place (furniture, equipment) Work method (visual aspects, instructions) Work tasks (organising tasks)

Workplace, Posture and Method

ErgonomicsErgon = workNomos = rule, law

“Learn from yesterday, live for today and hope for tomorrow. The important thing is to not stop questioning ”Albert Einstein

Average people do not exist, neither does the average workplace

People are Short or tall Thin or thick

1. Chair

2. Desk

3. Monitor

4. Visual aspects

5. Posture

6. Keyboard

7. Mouse

1. Chair Seat (height, depth) Back (support) Armrests (height, width)

2. Desk Depth Height Legroom: stretch, turn Desktop: thickness

3. Monitor Top of screen at eye

height Distance 50 - 70 cm Settings:

font size colour, contrast,

brightness refresh rate ≥ 70 Hz

4. Visual aspects

5. Posture Straight back Relaxed Right in front of your monitor NOT twisted or turned at your

desk

6. Keyboard As flat as possible Wrists relaxed and

straight Right in front of you No wrist support

7. Mouse Motion speed Large movements Double click speed Large (or no) mouse

pad (NO wrist support)

Fingers relaxed Shortcut keys

The ‘ideal’ work

place1. Chair

2. Desk

3. Monitor

4. Visual aspects

5. Posture

6. Keyboard

7. Mouse

RIGHT?WRONG?

RIGHT?WRONG?

Do not raise your shoulders Relax while working!

RIGHTWRONG

Never bend forward

Always keep your back straight

WRONG RIGHT

Wrong posture (long term)

Always have your screen straight ahead

WRONG RIGHT

Keep elbows relaxed

Keep hands and fingers relaxed

WRONG RIGHT

Wrist is carrying the weight of the arm

Caused by leaning forward

WRONG RIGHT

Keep fingers and wrists relaxed, not bent

WRONG RIGHT

To much tension in the hands

Will cause complaints rapidly

WRONG RIGHT

Work pace software If you get used to it….. it

really helps

Exercises to relax Sportswear not required.

What can YOU do at your workplace

Adjust workplaceIf desired with help from consultant

Clean up desk Create working space

Beginning complaints

Report immediately toworkplace or OSHE consultant

What can you do by yourself:

Don’t skip breaks

Avoid peak loads

Variation in activities

Loosen up from work

Keep yourself fit

Workplace consultantsName Tel

R S Ican change your life drastically