Work-related Upper Limb Disorder (WRULD)

(Text as at October 1997)

WRULDs are also called ULDs (Upper Limb Disorders), RSI (Repetitive Strain Injuries), or musculo-skeletal disorders of the upper limb. Definition and diagnoses of WRULDs are difficult and much confusion still exists. The relationship between fatigue states and disorders is not clear. In any event, seriously fatigued operatives present a problem, and the need to prove the presence of a 'disorder' becomes additional rather than essential to justify any implementation of a preventive strategy.

Some WRULDs, such as tenosynovitis and carpel tunnel syndrome, are well understood by doctors. Others have less distinctive symptoms and have been the subject of some controversy. However, it is clear that

  • WRULDs can be caused or made worse by work - though other activities such as sports or housework may be involved in some cases
  • it is worth taking action to prevent WRULDs.

WRULDs can affect the neck, shoulders, arms, elbows, wrists, hands and fingers. Symptoms might include

  • aches and pains
  • difficulty in movement
  • swelling.

WRULDs may have serious consequences if not acted upon promptly, such as

  • Serious ill-health. Well-motivated and productive people have had to give up work because of pain and disablement from WRULDs, others have been so badly affected that the simple household task becomes difficult.
  • Time taken off on sick leave
  • Compensation claims from those who have to stop working because of WRULDs.

The Law

The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999 require the University to assess health and safety risks. See Section C of the Manual. In some cases WRULDs will be part of the risk assessment process.

Getting further advice

Further advice can be obtained by contacting the University's Occupational Health Manager. The booklet 'Upper Limb Disorders: Assessing the Risks' IND(G)171(L) 1996 is available in the Department of Occupational Health and Safety. Further reading would include Croner's Bulletin Issue No. 6 of August 1993 entitled 'Work Related Upper Limb Disorders'.