Repetitive Strain Injury Claims — RSI Compensation

Last reviewed: June 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Repetitive strain injuries caused by workplace activities are compensatable occupational conditions. If your employer failed to manage the risks of repetitive work and you have developed an RSI-related condition, EA Personal Injury Solicitors can help you claim on a no win, no fee basis.

TL;DR — Quick Summary

Key Points

RSI includes carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, tendinitis, epicondylitis and other recognised conditions
Employers must assess and reduce ergonomic risks under health and safety legislation
Three-year limitation period from date of knowledge
Future loss of earnings claimable where the condition is permanent or career-limiting
No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation

Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders

Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs), colloquially known as repetitive strain injury, are musculoskeletal conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves of the hands, wrists, forearms, elbows, shoulders and neck. They are caused or significantly contributed to by occupational risk factors: repetitive movements, high force exertions, awkward or static postures, contact stress (pressure from tool handles or surfaces), vibration, and cold working environments.

The HSE estimates that hundreds of thousands of workers in Great Britain suffer from musculoskeletal disorders believed to be caused or made worse by their work. The conditions are highly prevalent in manufacturing, food processing, retail and office environments.

Specific RSI Conditions

Carpal tunnel syndrome — compression of the median nerve at the wrist, causing tingling, numbness and weakness in the thumb, index, middle and ring fingers. Associated with highly repetitive hand and wrist activity and vibration exposure.
Tenosynovitis — inflammation of the tendon and its surrounding sheath, commonly affecting the wrist and hand. Can cause pain, swelling and crepitus (a grating sensation) on movement.
Tendinitis — inflammation of a tendon from overuse, causing pain and tenderness at the affected site.
De Quervain's tenosynovitis — affecting the tendons on the thumb side of the wrist.
Lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) — inflammation of the tendons attaching to the lateral epicondyle of the elbow, associated with repetitive forearm rotation and grip.
Medial epicondylitis (golfer's elbow) — similar condition affecting the medial epicondyle.
Trigger finger — a catching or locking of a finger during flexion caused by a nodule in the tendon sheath.
Rotator cuff injuries — repetitive overhead work and awkward shoulder postures can cause tendinopathy and rotator cuff tears.

Employer Duties and RSI Prevention

The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992, the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999, and general COSHH and display screen equipment legislation all impose relevant duties. Employers must assess ergonomic risks, design work tasks to minimise repetition, force and awkward postures, implement job rotation, provide appropriate tools and equipment, train workers, and monitor health. Failure in these duties that results in an employee developing an RSI condition gives rise to a compensation claim.

No Win, No Fee RSI Claims

We act under a Conditional Fee Agreement. If the claim fails, you pay nothing. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is repetitive strain injury?

Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for upper limb disorders (ULDs) caused or exacerbated by repetitive movements, awkward postures, forceful exertions or sustained static loading at work. Specific conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tennis elbow, tenosynovitis and trigger finger.

Which jobs are most associated with RSI?

RSI is common in assembly line workers, keyboard operators, supermarket checkout workers, meat processing workers, cleaners, hairdressers, musicians, physiotherapists and many other occupations requiring repetitive upper limb movements.

Can I claim for carpal tunnel syndrome caused by work?

Yes. Carpal tunnel syndrome caused by work — particularly highly repetitive manual tasks, vibration, or sustained awkward wrist postures — can be the subject of an industrial disease claim. Medical evidence linking the condition to your work is essential.

How long do I have to make an RSI claim?

Three years from the date of knowledge — when you knew (or ought to have known) that your condition was significant and work-related.

What if I still have the same condition — can I claim for future losses?

Yes. If your RSI condition is permanent or is likely to affect your ability to work long term, your claim should include future loss of earnings and potentially the costs of ongoing treatment. We work with specialists to ensure these are properly evidenced and claimed.

My employer says RSI is not a real medical diagnosis — is that right?

No. While "RSI" as a label is not a single specific diagnosis, the individual conditions that fall within the umbrella — carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, tendinitis, De Quervain's disease, epicondylitis and others — are recognised medical conditions with established diagnostic criteria and well-recognised work-related causes.

Published by EA Personal Injury Solicitors

Edward and Amaury Limited · SRA No. 800525

Verify the firm and its regulated people on the SRA Register. General information only; this is not legal advice.