More and more Irish workers are suffering repetitive strain injuries (RSI) from continuous over use of body parts. Basically, cumulative trauma is a wide range of injuries that collectively affect muscles, tendons and ligament structures.
Cumulative trauma is caused by prolonged static postures and repeated dynamic body postures (repetitive movements) or a combination of both. These postures produce an overload of muscles beyond their inherent capacity for immediate recovery.
Cumulative Trauma Disorders of the Upper Extremities:
● Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
● Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)
● Overuse syndrome
The following are some examples of specific clinical conditions:
● Tennis elbow
● Golfers elbow
● Trigger finger
● Carpal tunnel syndrome
● Supraspinatus Tendonitis
The following are some examples of general clinical conditions:
● Cervical syndrome
● Bursitis
● Cervico-braschil syndrome
It is widely recognized that these conditions arise out of or occur from repetitive overuse. They are most associated with the short cycle repetitive tasks commonly found on an assembly line.
Work activities like repetitive lifting, bending and working can cause excessive stress to the body. Muscles develop trigger points due to the chronic stress state of the muscles. A very common condition among factory and general operatives is a pain referral from the Supraspinatus (small shoulder muscle). These workers often have their arms raised which cause pain to refer down the inside of the arm in to the thumb.
A large number of unskilled workers experience symptoms of cumulative trauma in the arms and hands also have cervical spine dysfunctions. Office workers that report musclo-skeletal pain and discomfort are more likely to suffer from eye strain and headaches.
The Health and Safety at Work Act 2005 puts an obligation on employers to ensure that they carry out risk assessments of all employee work functions to ensure that workers do not sustain repetitive strain injuries. Workers who are involved in manual handling and repetitive lifting of heavy weights have to be properly trained and have to be provided with appropriate rest breaks.
If you have suffered a repetitive strain injury and wish to receive advice regarding Health and Safety Law and your possible right to pursue an action for compensation please contact Liam Moloney Solicitor today at liammoloney@moloneysolicitors.ie
