RSI and OOS

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) and Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS) are amongst a variety of injuries often related but not exclusive to employment. They don't, however, strike everyone whose work makes them susceptible; and, those who are affected are not always affected equally.

Do not assume that you're going to be amongst the lucky. It's your duty to your family, your own well being, and, yes, to your employer to do whatever is reasonable to avoid RSI (or any other work related injury). The first step is to inform yourself.

The RSI & Overuse Injury Association of the ACT, Inc has a website that I've found useful. They cite the common symptoms as including:

• burning, aching or shooting pain that can be restricted to small sites, such as fingertips, or settle in a larger area such as the forearm
• tremors, clumsiness and numbness
• fatigue or lack of strength
• weakness in the hands or forearms to the extent that it is difficult to perform even simple tasks such as lifting a bag of shopping
• difficulty with normal activities like opening doors, chopping vegetables, turning on a tap
• chronically cold hands, particularly the fingertips.

Prevention is better than cure; but if you recognise any of the symptoms see your doctor.

It's better to look silly on a bicycle
than fashionable with a Zimmer frame.
—Yllib Ybnad (b. 1948)