Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

Related legal acts

Key definition

Repetitive strain injury definition

What does Repetitive strain injury mean? Repetitive strain injury (RSI) describes work‑related damage to muscles, tendons, nerves or other soft tissue caused or aggravated by repetitive tasks, sustained or awkward postures, forceful exertion, or vibration (for example keyboard/mouse use, assembly work or power tools). In legal practice it arises in personal injury and employers’ liability claims as an occupational injury/occupational disease. RSI is not a defined legal term; regulators and courts often refer to work‑related upper limb disorders (WRULDs/ULDs), of which RSI is a descriptive label used across contexts. Liability is commonly pursued in negligence, with statutory health and safety duties and guidance informing the standard of...

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (RSI): negligence-based liability post-ERRA 2013, relevant health and safety regulations, causation and foreseeability in case law, and limitation considerations

Published by a LexisNexis PI & Clinical Negligence expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note

This Practice Note surveys the statutory framework governing musculoskeletal disorders, sometimes described as Repetitive strain injury (RSI) claims or work-related upper limb conditions. For workplace accidents occurring on or after 1 October 2013, civil liability no longer stems from breach of statutory duty unless the particular regulation so provides, with such actions therefore to be pursued in negligence. The Note also reviews significant authorities, with the principal emphasis on whether the claimant’s symptoms meet the threshold for actionability. In addition, it considers the leading authority on limitation where musculoskeletal disorders are in issue. The Note addresses a category of injuries caused or exacerbated by forceful, repetitive, and awkward movements undertaken without adequate rest or recovery. These conditions, which are known under various umbrella labels, are commonly called RSI, work-related upper limb disorders, or musculoskeletal disorders. Throughout, the Note will use the term musculoskeletal disorders, as it is neutral on causation and can encompass injuries affecting all regions of the body, including the upper limbs as well as the neck, legs, and lower back. That terminology is adopted to avoid causative assumptions and to reflect comprehensive anatomical coverage...

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Tom Pacey

12 King's Bench Walk

Thomas appears regularly in Fast Track matters and has conducted a number of Multi-Track cases through to trial. He has experience of acting in substantial High Court litigation as Junior Counsel and has appeared in the High Court in his own right on interlocutory matters. He has an extensive paperwork practice and is happy to advise on a CFA. Particular expertise includes road traffic accidents, employers' liability of all kinds, sports injuries and cases in which medical causation is disputed. Lexis®PSL Personal Injury About Lexis®PSL ...

Web page updated on 22/05/2026

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