Remote working has become far more common in recent years, but many employees do not realise that working from home can still lead to workplace injuries.
One of the most common conditions linked to remote work is repetitive strain injury (RSI). If you have developed RSI while performing your job duties from home, you may be able to make a compensation claim.
What is Repetitive Strain Injury?
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) refers to pain or damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves caused by repeated movements or prolonged strain.
It commonly affects the:
- Wrists
- Hands
- Forearms
- Elbows
- Shoulders
- Neck
RSI is often associated with jobs that involve repetitive actions such as typing, using a mouse, assembly work, or other repetitive tasks.
Common symptoms of RSI include:
- Persistent pain or tenderness
- Tingling or numbness
- Weakness in the affected area
- Stiffness or reduced movement
- Swelling or throbbing sensations
If these symptoms are left untreated, the condition can become chronic and significantly affect your ability to work.
Can RSI Develop When Working From Home?
Yes. Working from home can increase the risk of RSI, especially if your workspace is not correctly set up.
Many home workers use:
- Kitchen tables instead of desks
- Dining chairs instead of ergonomic chairs
- Laptops without separate keyboards or monitors
- Poor desk positioning or posture
Over time, these setups can put extra strain on your body. Without proper equipment or regular breaks, repetitive movements can lead to injury.
Do Employers Have Responsibilities for Home Workers?
Yes, even if you work remotely, your employer still has a legal duty to protect your health and safety while you are working.
In the UK, employers must comply with regulations such as:
- Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
- Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
These laws require employers to take reasonable steps to ensure employees are working safely, including those who work from home.
This may involve:
- Carrying out risk assessments
- Providing appropriate equipment
- Offering guidance on workstation setup
- Encouraging breaks from screen work
If your employer fails to do this and you develop RSI as a result, they may be responsible.
When Could You Make a Work From Home RSI Claim?
You may be able to claim compensation if:
- Your RSI developed because of your work duties
- Your employer failed to provide safe working conditions
- The injury could have been prevented with proper precautions
- Your condition has caused pain, suffering, or financial loss
Examples of negligence might include:
- No workstation assessment for remote workers
- Failure to provide suitable equipment
- Ignoring reports of pain or discomfort
- Excessive workload without adequate breaks
What Evidence Do You Need for an RSI Claim?
To make a successful claim, it is important to gather evidence showing the injury was caused by your work.
This might include:
- Medical records confirming the diagnosis
- Photographs of your home workstation
- Emails reporting symptoms to your employer
- Occupational health reports
- Statements from colleagues or managers
- Records of workload or working hours
A solicitor can help assess whether there is enough evidence to support your claim.
How much compensation could you receive?
Compensation for RSI can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The severity of the injury
- Whether the damage is permanent
- The impact on your ability to work
- Financial losses such as lost income or treatment costs
More serious cases involving long-term disability or inability to work may result in higher compensation amounts.
What Should You Do If You Think You have RSI?
If you believe your symptoms are related to your work from home setup, it is important to act quickly.
You should:
- Seek medical advice
- Report the issue to your employer
- Document your workstation setup
- Keep records of symptoms and treatment
- Speak to a solicitor experienced in RSI claims
There are strict time limits for making a personal injury claim, so it is important to seek advice as soon as possible.
Speak to a Solicitor About Your RSI Claim.
Developing RSI can be painful and frustrating, particularly if it affects your ability to work. If your employer failed to provide a safe working environment while you were working from home, you may be entitled to compensation.
At Oliver & Co, our experienced Industrial Disease team specialises in helping clients with RSI and other workplace injury claims. We understand the challenges these conditions can cause and are here to guide you through the process in a clear and straightforward way.
Contact us today on 01244 312306 or email them at law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, no obligation chat.
