Repetitive Stress Syndrome (RSS), also known as Occupational Overuse Syndrome (OOS), is a type of injury common to fingers, hands, wrists and elbows. It is caused by repetitive movements or awkward postures. RSS/OOS is also known as 'Repetition Strain Injury' or RSI. Symptoms include swelling, pain and weakness in the affected joints. Vulnerable tendons can be overworked and inflamed by repetitious manual tasks, such as keyboarding and mousing for long periods without a sufficient breaks, working an assembly line or even playing a musical instrument.

Sometimes, poor workspace design, equipment design or work practices contribute to RSS/OOS. Making changes to more ergonomically correct equipment, redesigning work spaces and MAKING time for sufficient breaks can alleviate or prevent the condition. Without making sufficient changes to alleviate the situation, more serious conditions may develop such as Carpel Tunnle Syndrome.

Common symptoms: RSS/OOS is usually associated with repetitive hand movements, such as typing or continious mouse movement but any part of the body can be affected. RSS/OOS can strike the tendons and muscles of the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, back and neck. Symptoms vary, depending on the individual, the site of injury and the severity of the condition, but common symptoms may include:

• Pain (Moderate to intense)
• Muscle weakness
• Swelling
• Numbness
• Restricted mobility of the joint.

Progressive debilitation It is not possible to 'work through' RSS/OOS. Initially, the pain and stiffness may be slight and only noticeable while the particular manual task is performed. If these symptoms are ignored, the discomfort will escalate until the joints, muscles and tendons are painful even when at rest.

High risk occupations include:

• Office work - such as typing and mouse movement or other clerical duties
• Process work - such as assembly line and packing
• Piece work - such as sewing
• Manual work - such as bricklaying and carpentry.

• Furniture, tools or equipment that don't conform comfortably to the body.
• Benches or workstations that are too high, too low or too far from the body.
• Machinery that operates too quickly for user comfort, such as speedy conveyor belts that force the worker to move fast.
• Workspace design that requires repeated bending, stretching or twisting.
• Tight deadlines that prevent workers from taking sufficient breaks.
• Unvarying/Repetitive manual tasks.

Changes to workplace design

• Use ergonomically designed furniture
• Use of ergonomic computer keyboard and mouse at the correct height and angels
• Rearrange the workspace to keep everything needed within easy reach.
• Keep benches at waist height, so that shoulders can relax and arms can bend gently at the elbows.

Adjust furniture to suit your body Keyboard operators and typists are commonly at risk of developing RSS/OOS. Furniture, such as chairs and desks, should be adjusted to suit the dimensions of the individual and support good posture. Suggestions include:

• Adjust the height of your chair until your elbows are level with the home keys.
• Use a chair with a lumbar support.
• Keep document holders next to the computer screen at the same viewing distance.
• Use a footstool to raise the level of your knees slightly higher than your hips.
• Locate the mouse where you hand naturally rests on the arm of your chair at a comfortable angle.