Fact sheet on RSIs

Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and back injuries are crippling, disabling and expensive. Each year, RSIs force more than 600,000 workers to lose time from their jobs, making them the nation's biggest job safety problem. The lives of workers who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, back injuries or any other RSI are changed forever. Many are crippled by debilitating wrist, shoulder or back pain. These injured workers often lose their jobs. Many become permanently unemployed or are forced to take severe pay cuts to continue working. Some end up on public assistance. RSIs are common in a wide variety of industries. Nurses, cashiers, assembly line workers, computer users, truck drivers, stock handlers, sewing machine operators, construction workers and meat cutters are among those most at risk. But RSIs and crippling back injuries can occur whenever work is repetitious, involves awkward postures or requires heavy lifting. Ergonomics is the process of changing jobs to fit workers--rather than forcing workers to "adapt" to jobs involving an unreasonable work pace, poorly designed equipment or too few rest breaks. Ergonomic solutions might involve changing tools to make them more comfortable, changing work design so workers don't have to reach over their heads or reducing the number of motions a worker must perform. Ergonomics can prevent RSIs, but few employers have implemented these programs. Although RSIs represent the nation's biggest job safety problem, some employers have launched a campaign to prevent OSHA from taking action to protect workers against these injuries. They also are moving to change state laws to make it difficult, or impossible, for injured workers to collect workers' compensation for these injuries. They have formed the National Coalition on Ergonomics, an industry front group, to block a standard for as long as possible. They do this by arguing that there is no scientific basis for an ergonomics standard and by questioning whether RSIs are related to workplace conditions. In fact, there is plenty of scientific and practical evidence that RSIs are work-related and that ergonomics can prevent injuries. That is why OSHA is moving forward to develop and issue an ergonomics standard. The evidence includes: A 1998 study by the National Academy of Sciences on work-related RSIs. A 1997 critical review by NIOSH of more than 600 epidemiological studies. A 1997 General Accounting Office study of companies with ergonomics programs. More than 2,000 articles on RSIs and workplace risk factors. Hundreds of published "success stories" about companies with ergonomics programs. The overwhelming evidence in each of these areas points to the same conclusions: Increasing levels of workplace risk and exposure increase the incidence and severity of RSIs. Reducing workplace risk and exposure reduces the incidence and severity of RSIs. RSIs are preventable. Ergonomics programs are the most effective way to reduce risk, decrease exposure and protect workers against RSIs. The Facts on RSIs RSIs (also known as cumulative trauma disorders, overuse syndrome or musculoskeletal disorders/injuries) are a group of work-related injuries that result from the overuse, or misuse, of muscles, tendons and nerves. They often occur in the upper body. The most common body parts affected are the back, wrists, shoulder, elbows, neck and hands. They result from working conditions such as a fast pace, heavy lifting, repetition or working in an awkward and uncomfortable position. Each year, RSIs caused by repetitive motion and overexertion account for more than 600,000 serious workplace injuries. RSIs account for one-third of all disabling injuries, more than any other single category including fires, explosions, transportation incidents or machinery accidents. One type of RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, results in workers missing more time from their jobs than any other type of workplace injury--even amputations! RSIs are also very costly. Studies have estimated the cost per RSI case to be between $7,000 and $30,000. The national costs of these injuries may be as high as $20 billion annually. Women represent 65 percent of workers who experience RSIs that affect the arms, shoulders, hands and wrists. Women are five times more likely to experience carpal tunnel syndrome than men. RSIs can be prevented. Workplace ergonomic solutions can reduce RSIs and save companies money. Mobilize to Stop the Pain! Workers and unions are mobilizing to Stop the Pain! associated with RSIs and crippling back injuries. The fight is centered around three demands: An OSHA ergonomics standard that requires employers to identify and correct hazards, involve workers and provide proper medical care for injured workers. Action by employers to fix hazardous jobs that cause crippling back injuries and RSIs. Fair compensation for workers crippled by back injuries or RSIs. Insurers and employers must recognize work-related RSIs and provide speedy compensation to injured workers. What You Can Do Investigate ergonomic hazards at your own workplace and develop strategies to reduce RSIs and back injuries. The AFL-CIO has developed a "Workplace Ergo Action Kit" that you can use. Call 202-637-5366 to request a copy. Organize petition and letter-writing campaigns to Congress and the Department of Labor urging them to move forward on ergonomic protections. Petitions and sample letters are available from the AFL-CIO. Work with your central labor council, international union or a local COSH group to set up a workshop on RSIs and ergonomics. Invite members of all unions in your area to participate. AFL-CIO Department of Occupational Safety and Health 815 16th St. N.W. Washington, D.C. 20006 Phone 202-637-5366, Fax 202-508-6978

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