TUC wants RSI directive

The TUC used last month's RSI Association (RSIA) annual meeting to push for a European directive on ergonomics to help stop the spread of repetitive strain injury (RSI).

TUC health and safety specialist Owen Tudor said: "RSI is a global disease and Europe needs to take action to prevent future generations from suffering more epidemics of RSI. Work needs to be adapted to workers, because fitting the workers round the jobs doesn't work."

The TUC's proposed directive on ergonomics would require employers to ensure that work, work stations and work equipment, like computers and conveyor belts, suit their workers' physical abilities.

It has also suggested amendments to the Manual Handling Directive to cover the repetitive and monotonous handling of small loads and for the Display Screen Equipment Directive to cover the greater use of computer mice, laptops and palm pilots. The TUC wants more rehabilitation for RSI sufferers to ensure they can return to work as soon as possible.

The RSIA AGM, attended by over 200 people, was the most successful to date, according to chief executive Andrew Chadwick. Speakers reviewed current medical knowledge on RSI and suggested changes that can be made in the workplace to prevent the condition.

To contact the RSI Association telephone 020 7266 2000 or e-mail: [email protected]