Repetitive Strain Injury at Work? Get Your Certificate Today.
Same-day telehealth consultation for RSI, carpal tunnel, tendinitis, and other overuse injuries. Certificate issued during the call.
RSI and Workers Compensation in NSW
Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is a broad term for pain and dysfunction caused by repetitive movements, sustained postures, or overuse of specific muscle groups during work. RSI is one of the most prevalent occupational health conditions in Australia, affecting workers across industries from office and IT roles to manufacturing, food processing, and trades.
Under the NSW workers compensation scheme, RSI conditions that develop as a result of work duties are covered — even when symptoms develop gradually over weeks or months rather than from a single traumatic event. The critical requirement is that your work duties are a substantial contributing factor to your condition.
Types of Work-Related RSI
Common Causes
- Prolonged keyboard and mouse use in office environments without ergonomic setup
- Repetitive gripping, twisting, or squeezing movements (assembly line, food processing)
- Sustained vibration exposure from power tools (angle grinders, jackhammers, drills)
- Repetitive overhead work (painting, plastering, electrical installation)
- Continuous fine motor tasks (sewing, wiring, laboratory work)
- Prolonged static postures — holding tools, instruments, or devices in fixed positions
What Your Certificate Will Include
For RSI claims, your Certificate of Capacity typically includes restrictions such as:
- No repetitive tasks involving the affected body part
- Ergonomic workstation modifications required
- Regular breaks from sustained postures (e.g. 5 minutes every 30 minutes)
- No gripping, twisting, or fine motor tasks with the affected hand or arm
- Reduced keyboard/mouse time with voice recognition alternatives
- No vibration exposure
Gradual Onset Claims
RSI claims do not require a specific date of injury. If your symptoms developed gradually over time due to your work duties, your claim start date is typically the date you first sought medical treatment or the date you could no longer perform your full duties. Your doctor will document this in your Certificate of Capacity.
How Claims Doctor Helps
Claims Doctor provides same-day video consultations for RSI and overuse injuries. Your doctor assesses your symptoms, establishes the clinical link to your work duties, completes your Certificate of Capacity, and arranges referrals for physiotherapy, ergonomic assessment, nerve conduction studies, or specialist review as required.
RSI from Work?
Same-day video consultation. Certificate issued during the call. $0 with a valid claim.
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