RSI…not sure where to go..

[SilverMakeUpBag]

I’m currently working from home as a Business Support Assistant within a team of 3. The workload is heavy and has continued to be so during Covid and beyond. I’ve struggled the last 4 weeks with an aching arm and occasionally a few shooting pains through my fingers every now and again. I spend 6 hours each day on the PC. I’m hesitant to speak to my Manager as in the past she’s been unsupportive. What should I do?

Switch your mouse hand to the other arm

Do you have a HR dept or even better a workplace management team who can do a workspace assessment?

You should be able to request a full VDU check, dependent on the results they can provide wrist wrests, different mouse, split keyboard etc. I ended up having physio and wearing a wrist splint.

@Fizzgigg

Do you have a HR dept or even better a workplace management team who can do a workspace assessment?

That’s the thing, there was someone who came round doing an assessment but now we are working from home, there’s been nothing.

I’ve been ice packing it and resting when I can, it has helped.

@nearlyspringyay

You should be able to request a full VDU check, dependent on the results they can provide wrist wrests, different mouse, split keyboard etc. I ended up having physio and wearing a wrist splint.

I will look into doing this today. I’m worried in case I get any worse.

Can I ask how you are doing now with it?

I changed my mouse hand when I had this - used the other hand for about a year, also got a different kind of mouse

Do you not have DSE assessors in your company? They are a legal requirement. There is plenty that can be done about this. Different mouse, different chair, make sure your chair and desk are correctly set up for the position you need.

You need to either speak to your DSE assessor or ask for an occupational health referral.

Something like this might help: amazon.co.uk/Amazon-Brand-Ergonomic-Comfortable-Anti-skidding-Black/dp/B08VHHQ7SD/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_sspa?crid=3UAI402VXL6B8&keywords=mouse+mat+wrist+support&qid=1647281766&sprefix=mouse+mat%2Caps%2C245&sr=8-1-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUFORlhRQTBDV0dHVDImZW5jcnlwdGVkSWQ9QTA4MDQ1NDAySTBSR1E3V0EyTzlJJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTA4OTgzMDczOFZTVDBIUTRXSzdPJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfcGhvbmVfc2VhcmNoX2F0ZiZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=]]

Definitely you are legally entitled to a DSE assessment. They may make recommendations so you are seated correctly but also recommend ergonomic mouse/keyboard.