Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Claims in Queensland
RSI, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis from work are real injuries with real entitlements. If your job has caused a repetitive strain injury, you may be entitled to WorkCover compensation.
What is a repetitive strain injury?
Repetitive strain injury is an umbrella term for pain and damage caused by repetitive movements, sustained awkward postures, or prolonged force. Common RSI conditions include carpal tunnel syndrome from keyboard work, mouse use, or vibrating tools, tendonitis in the wrist, elbow, or shoulder from repetitive motions, tennis elbow and golfer's elbow from gripping, lifting, or twisting, trigger finger from repeated gripping of tools or equipment, bursitis from repetitive kneeling or pressure, and de Quervain's tenosynovitis from repetitive hand and wrist movements.
Who is at risk of RSI at work
RSI affects workers across many industries in Queensland. High-risk occupations include office and administration workers using computers for extended periods, assembly line and manufacturing workers performing repetitive tasks, meat processors and food production workers, hairdressers and beauty therapists, construction workers using vibrating tools, musicians and performing artists, warehouse and logistics workers scanning and packing, and healthcare workers performing repetitive patient handling. If your work involves doing the same physical motion repeatedly, or maintaining the same posture for long periods, you may be at risk.
WorkCover entitlements for RSI
A repetitive strain injury caused by your work may entitle you to weekly compensation payments while you are unable to work or on modified duties, coverage of medical treatment including GP visits, specialist hand or orthopaedic consultations, physiotherapy, occupational therapy, cortisone injections, and surgery if required, rehabilitation and ergonomic workplace assessments, and lump sum compensation if the injury results in permanent impairment. For serious cases where employer negligence contributed to the injury — such as failing to provide ergonomic equipment, ignoring repeated complaints, or refusing to rotate tasks — you may also be entitled to common law damages.
The challenge with RSI claims
RSI claims can be more complex than sudden injury claims because the condition develops gradually over time. Insurers sometimes challenge these claims by arguing the condition is not work-related or that it is a pre-existing issue. This is where specialist legal advice makes a significant difference. ClaimHub Legal has experience with gradual onset injury claims and understands the medical evidence needed to establish the link between your work duties and your condition. Early medical documentation and a clear history of your symptoms are important.
What to do if you have RSI from work
If you are experiencing symptoms of RSI from your work duties, see your doctor as soon as possible and explain that the pain is related to your work activities, ask your employer about ergonomic assessments and workstation modifications, keep a record of your symptoms including when they started, what makes them worse, and how they affect your daily life, report the injury to your employer in writing, and contact ClaimHub Legal for a free assessment. Do not wait for the condition to become severe. Early intervention improves both your health outcome and the strength of your WorkCover claim.
Free RSI claim assessment
If you suspect your work has caused or worsened a repetitive strain injury, contact ClaimHub Legal for a free, confidential assessment. Call 1300 390 394 or complete our online free claim check. No Win, No Fee.
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