Jurisdiction(s):
United Kingdom

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...

RSI and work-related upper limb disorders: common diagnoses, causation, evidence and tactics for claimants and defendants (Great Britain)

Published by a LexisNexis PI & Clinical Negligence expert

Practice notes

This Practice Note offers an overview of injuries that arise or worsen due to powerful, repeated or awkward motions when rest and recovery are inadequate. These conditions go by various umbrella terms, most often labelled repetitive strain injuries (RSI), work‑related upper limb disorders, or musculoskeletal disorders. It addresses optimal strategies for bringing or resisting claims involving such hARM. RSI typically denotes pain or damage linked to repeated actions. Most frequently, repetition leads to persistent forearm pain or functional impairment. The label has effectively become interchangeable with work‑related arm pain. Within the spectrum are both clearly diagnosable disorders and non‑specific symptoms such as pain and fatigue. The principal specifically recognisable conditions are listed below. For direction on applicable statutory duties and leading authorities—covering the effect of section 69 of the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Act 2013 (ERRA 2013), the actionability of a claimant’s symptoms, and the leading limitation case—refer to Practice Note: Musculoskeletal disorders—applicable law.

Bursitis

This occurs when the soft tissue cushioning between bone and skin (or a tendon) becomes inflamed...

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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 21/05/2026

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