A Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) may have significant consequences for a person’s daily life. If your RSI injury occurred during the course of employment, you may be able to claim workers compensation for your injury.
What is a Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)?
RSI can be considered any damage to the body’s soft tissue (muscles, tendons, and nerves), specifically the neck, upper & lower back, chest, shoulders, arms, wrists, and hands.
Common causes of RSI
RSI can occur from just doing your job, be it in the office or at the worksite.
- You do repetitive activities like hairdressing, decorating, typing or working on an assembly line
- You play sports like golf or tennis that involve lots of repetitive movements
- You have poor posture when sitting or standing at work, or due to ergonomics set up you’re given, at the office or working from home
- You use hand-held power tools regularly
Which occupations are at risk?
Common repetitive stress injuries in the workplace are caused by doing a certain motion on a daily basis such as heavy lifting bending from the knees or back, gripping tools, constant use of a computer keyboard and mouse that aren’t ergonomic, and a variety of other tasks that are frequently performed in a repeated manner for several hours each day.
RSI is prevalent with people employed in industrial or manual labour positions. Factory labour, fishing, childcare, hospitality, automotive, trucking and transport, retail, health care, packing, construction, and professions requiring long hours at a desk are among the industries most affected by RSI, such as a graphic designer or a data inputter.
Entitlements
Your entitlements depend on your specific circumstances, but typically you may be eligible to claim.
- Loss of income, or future earnings
- Medical and rehabilitation expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Paid assistance in some circumstances
- Return to work services
- Travelling expenses
- Permanent impairment compensation
FAQs
Every claim is different, but generally speaking strict time limits apply for starting your claim. You should lodge a Workcover claim within 30 days of the injury occurring and see your doctor immediately.
The time frame to resolve your claim may depend on:
- How complicated your circumstances are
- How serious your injuries are and
- The treatment you need to restore your health
To be classed as a disability and be eligible for TPD (total or permanent disability compensation), your RSI must be severe enough to prevent you from working and earning an income. This is determined on a case-by-case basis.
You may be able to claim treatments that will help you get back into the workplace or at least recover to a comfortable level of daily functioning. This could include:
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Remedial massage
- Exercise physiology
Every Workers Compensation case is different and there are a number of steps you'll generally go through during the process. Your lawyer will guide you through these stages to help you get the best possible outcome. Learn more about the process.
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