At some New York grocery stores, signs are hung in the checkout lines which indicate that patrons should remove items from their baskets in order to help prevent repetitive stress injuries in the cashiers. One may think that repetitive stress injuries (RSIs) only occur in those employed at factories. However, RSIs can occur at virtually any job.

An RSI is a kind of injury caused over time by repetitive motion. Common examples include tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. As these injuries can lead to workers' compensation claims and a less effective workforce, employers should prioritize prevention.

One way to prevent RSIs is to minimize repetitive motions by redesigning jobs. This proactive step can prevent workers from being required to perform tasks too many times during a given period.

If employees work in awkward physical positions or spend more than one hour of time exercising the same motion, employers should provide regular breaks in order to reduce RSI risks. This is also true for workers using vibrating equipment, or engaging in forceful or frequent hand exertion.

Workers should be trained in achieving ideal posture at their workstations. Furniture and equipment placement should be as ergonomic as possible. This includes offering headphones for workers who must cradle phones in their hands or crooks of their necks for significant portions of their workdays.

In addition, proper lighting to avoid eyestrain and allowing workers to alternate positions frequently can be helpful for all kinds of employees. Finally, a high level of stress in any job can exacerbate RSIs.

Encouraging employees to report discomfort or pain caused by job responsibilities will help alert employers as to what may be contributing to RSIs in their place of business. As it is in the best interest of employers and employees alike to avoid RSIs in workers, improved communication may be one of the best steps a workplace can take in this direction.

Source: Business Management Daily, "Repetitive stress injuries: FAQs," Jan. 3, 2012