I think I am suffering from RSI. What should I do?

This will depend on the severity of your symptoms. If you have just a few twinges, you should go through the suggestions on workSMART and look at the advice on the RSI Association web site to see if you can adjust your furniture and the way you work.

If these don't make a rapid improvement, you should take more serious action. Do not suffer in silence. Do not continue to damage yourself - it will take much longer to recover.

You need to see your GP, raise it with your employer, and probably change the content of your job, at least for a while.

We recommend these steps:

• Visit your GP. Tell the doctor about the type of work you do, and why you believe it may have contributed to your condition.
• Report the symptoms to your line manager, and record the incident in the accident book. Make sure there is a record in writing of your problem.
• If you are in a union you should inform your workplace safety rep, if available. Discuss the possibility of further medical and legal advice from your union.
• Try and work with your employer to ease your problems.
  • It might be sensible to suggest that your employer calls in an ergonomist to make an assessment of your workstation and the way you work. (Ergonomists are experts in the organisation of work, and can provide real insight into what is giving you RSI).
  • You can ask for lighter or different duties.
  • You may make a major change in your job, or are transferring to other, lighter duties. This should be backed up in writing, with a note from your employer setting out your hours, pay, job description and review period for your revised duties.
  • As well as new or adjusted furniture, there may be other changes or new equipment that can help. There are special keyboards or alternatives to the mouse such as a roller ball that some find helpful. Voice-operated software can reduce the amount of keyboarding you need to do.