Companies not taking ‘preventative action’ for RSI

HR departments looking at their health and safety strategy would be wise to consider offering employees training to help prevent repetitive strain injury.

That is the conclusion of the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP), which has been reacting to figures released by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) that showed in 2007/08 213,000 people suffered from
conditions made worse by work.

The CSP said that while employers have a legal obligation to prevent risks of injury or illness at work, the HSE figures suggest that there is not enough "preventative action to reduce the risk of RSI".

Commenting on the issue, Pauline Cole, CSP spokesperson and member said: "There is a clear opportunity for employers to do more to provide occupational health services both with regard to prevention of RSI and
rehabilitation."

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Ms Cole went on to suggest that the government should be encouraging businesses to take action through a combination of legislation, "incentives and best practice guidance".

Last week the HSE published guidelines on helping companies whose employees work in confined spaces.