WRULDs

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... 

WRULDs describe a group of illnesses which can affect the neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. Tenosynovitis (affecting the tendons), carpal tunnel syndrome (affecting the tendons which pass through the carpal bone in the hand) and frozen shoulder are all examples of WRULDs which differ in the manifestation and site of the illness. The term repetitive strain injury (RSI) is commonly used to describe WRULDs. 

The main symptoms of WRULDs are aching pain to the back, neck and shoulders, swollen joints and muscle fatigue accompanied by tingling, soft tissue swelling similar to bruising and a restriction in joint movement. 

Figure 17.2 Poor workstation layout may cause WRULD.

HAVS describes a group of diseases caused by the exposure of the hand and arm to externai vibration. Some of these have been described under WRULDs, such as carpai tunnei syndrome. 

Tenosynovitis is the most common and well-known problem which affects the wrist of the user. The symptoms and effects of this condition have already been covered. Suffice it to say that if the condition is ignored, then the tendon and tendon sheath around the wrist will become permanently injured. Tenosynovitis, better known as RSI, is caused by the continual use of a keyboard and can be relieved by the use of wrist supports. Other WRULDs are caused by poor posture... 

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

Examples of health concerns, developed in the civil tort of negligence and which are receiving increasing attention in the courts and by the HSE, are workplace stress repetitive strain injury (RSI) and (WRULD) and vibration white finger (VWF). ... 

WRULD covers a number of conditions variously known as telegraphist s, writer s or twister s cramp and tenosynovitis, all of which became prescribed diseases in 1948. Other common conditions include carpal turmel syndrome, tennis and golfer s elbow. 

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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