Work-related upper limb disorders

McAtamney, L., and Coriett, E. N. (1993), RULA A Survey Method for the Investigation of Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders, Applied Ergonomics, Vol. 24, pp. 91-99. 

Armstrong, T. J., Martin, B. 1., Franzbiau, A., Rempel, D. M., and Johnson, P. W. (1995), Mouse Input Devices and Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders, in Work with Display Units 94, A. Giieco, G. Molteni, E. Occhipinti, and B. PiccoU, Eds., Elsevier, Amsterdam, pp. 375-380. 

McAtamney L. and Corlett E.N. 1993. RULA A survey method for the investigation of work-related upper limb disorders. Appl. Ergon. 24 91-99. 

Where continued repetitive movement or handling causes pain - called repetitive strain injury (RSI) or work related upper limb disorder (WRULD) - the rhythm or routine of the work should be changed or arrangements made for a rotation between different jobs. If condition persists seek medical advice. 

WRULD Work related upper limb disorders... 

Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) -cover a wide range of musculoskeletal disorders which are discussed in detail in Chapter 17... 

The common ill-health effects of ergonomic hazards are musculoskeletal disorders (back injuries, covered in Chapter 13, and work-related upper limb disorders including repetitive strain injury being the main disorders) and deteriorating eyesight. 

In relation to work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs) ... 

Actions that involve putting repeated loads on particular muscles, especially on the arms and the wrist, can cause a number of muscular conditions variously referred to as tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, work-related upper limb disorder (WRIJLD), etc. The term repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a media invention and not a medical condition. Symptoms exhibited include soreness in the muscles that initially disappears when ceasing work but rapidly returns when work is recommenced. If the same work is continued, the condition can become very painful and have long lasting effects. 

Risk assessments will identify circumstances where health surveillance will be appropriate. Legal requirements for such surveillance extend beyond exposure to substances hazardous to health. Generally, there will be a need if there is an identifiable disease or health condition related to the work, there is a valid technique for its identification, there is a likelihood that the disease or condition may occur as a result of the work, and the surveillance will protect further the health of employees. Examples where these conditions may apply are vibration white finger and forms of work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs). 

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