How can you reduce the incidence and cost of RSI?

Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) cost companies billions annually, but even a modest 10% reduction in RSIs can save $700,000 each year. RSIs often result from repetitive movements in various workplace tasks, from typing to lifting. The key to curbing these costs and safeguarding employee well-being lies in ergonomics. Investing in ergonomically designed equipment, like chairs, keyboards, and desks, reduces strain on the body. Promote healthy habits, including regular breaks, exercise, and awareness of RSI symptoms. Protect your employees and your bottom line by making simple changes to combat RSIs.
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Repetitive strain injuries, or RSIs, are some of the most common injuries in the workplace. Costing companies an estimated 15-20 billion dollars annually, it becomes necessary to identify ways for you to reduce the incidence and cost of RSI. While reducing incidences of injury may seem like it would make little impact on the costs, reducing the amount of RSIs by only 10% could yield an annual savings of $700,000. Thankfully, there are a few easy steps you can take to protect both your employees and your bottom line. Here’s what you need to know. 

The Cost of RSI

The cost of RSI is directly related to the injury frequency among your employees. While different injuries may cost more or less depending on the severity, reducing the overall number of injuries will help lower the overall costs you must pay in liability. 

Repetitive strain injuries are injuries that are caused by repetitive motions throughout the day. Common causes in the workplace include:

  • Lifting boxes
  • Reach onto a shelf
  • Taping boxes closed
  • Typing
  • Clicking your mouse
  • Poor posture
  • And much more

With so many different causes for RSI, it can feel overwhelming trying to combat it. Thankfully, there are some common factors you can implement that will help to drastically reduce the number of injuries in your workforce.

Reducing the Incidence of RSI

One of the best things you can do to reduce the incidence frequency of RSI is to invest in the ergonomically correct equipment. While teaching proper lifting techniques and safe habits is a great starting point, much time is spent at a computer or sitting in an office chair. 

Thankfully, there are chairs, desks, keyboards, and other items developed to protect posture and health by keeping your body in an optimized position during the day. This is a great way to protect against injury to your wrists, neck, back, hips, and more. Consider reaching out to an ergonomics professional to identify ways you can help reduce the incidence of RSI in your business.

Lowering the Risk of RSI Among Employees

While providing quality equipment for your employees to help protect against RSI, it’s equally important to teach them how to take care of themselves and make smart decisions. Discuss with your employees the importance of maintaining and protecting their health. Some easy ways to do this at the workplace include:

  • Standing and stretching throughout the day
  • Taking a short walk
  • Regular exercise during their week
  • Identifying the symptoms of RSI and catching them early

When it comes to your employee’s health, no one should care about it more than them. Teaching them safe practices and how to take care of themselves will go a long way to help reduce the risk of RSI among employees. 

How Can We Help?

Work Health Solutions offers comprehensive healthcare solutions for your medical needs, including injury prevention. Our qualified team treats patients and employers alike and always provides top-quality service. We back our quality service with years of experience working with academics and research.

Work Health Solutions

Work Health Solutions

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Work Health Solutions is dedicated to preserving a safe work environment and improving existing programs and care for local, regional and national organizations.

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Dr. Glen Cheng

A physician-attorney with a dedication to healthcare innovation, informatics, and digital health.

  • Currently spearheads employee health protection and promotion within the VA Pittsburgh Health Care System.
  • Trained in residency at Harvard, achieving board certification as a physician; also a licensed patent attorney with experience as FDA regulatory counsel.
  • Co-founded Acceleromics, a consulting firm providing clinical and regulatory guidance to digital health startups.

Erin Davis

 Chief Clinical Officer at Work Health Solutions, certified in Adult-Gerontology (AGNP-C) and Athletic Training (ATC).

  • Oversees clinical operations and ensures high clinical standards across the company’s national field staff.
  • Former Manager of Clinic Operations and Occupational Health Nurse Practitioner at Stanford University Occupational Health Center (SUOHC).
  • Specialized in treating occupational injuries and illnesses, and provided medical surveillance and travel medicine consults at Stanford and SLAC National Accelerator Lab.
  • Dedicated to sports and occupational injury treatment and prevention.
  • Assistant Clinical Faculty at UCSF, mentoring students in clinical rotations within the Adult Gerontology and Occupational and Environmental Health Program.
  • Holds leadership roles as Treasurer and President Elect of the California El Camino Real Association of Occupational Health Nurses (CECRAOHN), affiliated with the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses (AAOHN).

Dr. Robert Goldsmith

Founder and President of NBS Healthcare Group, with a focus on innovation in healthcare consulting.

  • Previous role as Executive Director for Employee Health at Novartis Services, Inc., leading health services and clinical support.
  • Instrumental in creating an integrated healthcare system at Novartis.
  • Former private practice in internal medicine in Stamford, Connecticut, and Medical Director consultant for GTE Corporation.
  • Transitioned to GE as a Global Medical Director in 2000.
  • Holds a medical degree from Albert Einstein College, an MPH from the University of Connecticut, and completed training at Greenwich Hospital and Yale-New Haven Medical Center.
  • Assistant professor in the Department of Medicine at the Vagelos School of Medicine, Columbia University.
  • Serves as a team physician for high school athletes in Stamford.
  • Published works on occupational health risks, primary prevention, and exercise-induced asthma.