If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain from the kind of work you do every day whether it’s lifting, scanning, typing, or handling tools you might be facing what’s known as a repetitive strain injury. It can creep in slowly. At first, it’s just stiffness or tiredness at the end of the day. Then it lingers. You wake up sore. It doesn’t go away over the weekend. And eventually, it starts affecting how you work, how you sleep, and how you feel.
If you’ve been dealing with ongoing pain from the kind of work you do every day whether it’s lifting, scanning, typing, or handling tools you might be facing what’s known as a repetitive strain injury. It can creep in slowly. At first, it’s just stiffness or tiredness at the end of the day. Then it lingers. You wake up sore. It doesn’t go away over the weekend. And eventually, it starts affecting how you work, how you sleep, and how you feel.
We’ve spoken to workers across Clare, Galway and Limerick who thought they just had to live with it. Some kept working through the pain because they didn’t want to seem like they were complaining. Others were told it was “part of the job.” But if your injury came from doing the same physical task over and over without breaks, proper equipment, or any rotation it shouldn’t be ignored. And it’s not your fault.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we’ve helped warehouse staff, care workers, retail employees, and office workers understand their rights and take steps when their job started taking a toll on their health. We’re here to listen and explain things clearly no pressure, no complicated language, and no judgment.
If you think your injury came from your job, have a chat with us. You don’t have to be sure to get advice. We’ll help you figure out if there’s something that can be done.
A repetitive strain injury, or RSI, is an injury that happens when the same physical action is done over and over again without enough rest, support or variety. It usually affects muscles, tendons, nerves or soft tissues in areas like the hands, wrists, arms, shoulders or neck. These injuries don’t always show up straight away. For many people, it starts with stiffness or tiredness. Over time, that turns into pain, numbness, weakness or even loss of movement.
There are two general types of RSI:
RSI often builds up slowly and is easy to ignore at first. Many workers in Ireland don’t realise they have an injury until it begins affecting their work, sleep or daily routine. That doesn’t mean they’re too late to act.
If your job involves long hours of typing, lifting, using tools, or standing in one position for too long, and you’ve developed consistent pain or discomfort, it may be a repetitive strain injury.
Not sure if your pain qualifies? Ask us in confidence. We’ll help you understand what’s involved without any pressure.
Repetitive strain injuries don’t come from one bad move. They build up slowly over time from tasks that are repeated too often, done in awkward positions, or carried out without proper breaks or support. Across Ireland, we see these injuries affecting people in all kinds of jobs from warehouse operatives and hospitality staff to office workers and drivers.
The causes vary by role, but the root problem is usually the same: a workplace that’s not designed with long-term health in mind.
In office settings, RSI often affects the hands, wrists, neck and shoulders. Common contributing factors include:
Many people working from home have suffered similar issues due to makeshift desks and chairs not set up for long-term use.
In warehouses, on production lines and in retail stockrooms, workers often carry out the same motion hundreds of times a day. Common risks include:
Even when the task feels simple, doing it without proper training or rotation puts serious strain on the body over time.
Tradespeople and site workers are also at risk due to:
These tasks often lead to elbow, shoulder, wrist or hand pain that can grow worse without rest or treatment.
Long-distance drivers, delivery workers and machine operators often experience RSI due to:
RSI is preventable. When employers ignore the warning signs or don’t rotate tasks properly, they may be responsible for the harm caused.
If you’ve developed pain, stiffness, numbness or weakness from doing the same tasks over and over at work, you may be entitled to bring a claim for a repetitive strain injury even if the injury developed slowly or you’re not in a permanent role.
Irish law protects all workers, not just those with full-time contracts. If your job caused or worsened your injury, and your employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent that from happening, you could have a valid claim.
You may be eligible to claim if you are:
Many people believe they can’t claim because they didn’t report the pain early, they took painkillers and carried on, or their job was casual. But the law focuses on how the injury happened not your contract status.
If your employer failed to provide safe equipment, training, proper breaks, or task variation, they may be liable. That includes failure to act after earlier complaints or signs that your work was affecting your health.
You also don’t need to have a confirmed medical diagnosis before you speak to a solicitor. The first step is simply explaining what’s been going on so we can guide you in the right direction.
Unsure about your eligibility? Let’s talk it through. One short conversation could make a big difference.
Proving a repetitive strain injury claim is not always straightforward especially when the injury builds up slowly and doesn’t involve a one-off incident. But with the right approach and support, it is absolutely possible to show that your work caused or contributed to your condition.
At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we help workers gather the evidence they need to make a strong case. Here’s what that usually involves:
Start by seeing your GP. A formal diagnosis is a key part of your claim. It helps confirm:
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist or for further scans, depending on the injury.
We help build a clear picture of the work you do. This can include:
You don’t need to gather this all yourself just describe your day-to-day and we’ll guide the rest.
Photos of your workspace, tools, or equipment can help demonstrate poor posture, outdated furniture, or lack of support. For office workers, this might be a low chair and high desk. For manual workers, it could be repetitive use of vibrating tools with no protection.
Colleagues who have seen you struggling with symptoms, or who do similar tasks and suffer the same issues, can provide helpful statements. These don’t have to be formal just honest and specific.
The final part is showing where your employer fell short. That might mean:
We’ll help you build your case step by step. You don’t need perfect records or a stack of paperwork just honesty, consistency and the right support.
If your repetitive strain injury was caused by your job, compensation can help you manage the impact it’s had on your health, income and everyday life. At Crimmins Howard Solicitors, we make sure claims reflect the full picture not just the injury itself, but the disruption it has caused and what you may face in the future.
There are two main types of compensation: general damages and special damages.
This part of your claim relates to the injury itself. It covers:
This part of your claim focuses on the financial side of the injury. It may include:
Some clients also recover the cost of retraining or counselling where long-term changes to work or health are needed.
We’ll look at your medical reports, employment records, and the wider impact on your life. Then we’ll give you a realistic view of what your claim might achieve—without overpromising or using headline figures.
If an insurer offers a low settlement, we’ll explain whether it’s fair or if we should push for more.
We’ll give you a realistic sense of what your claim is worth. No false hope. Just straight answers based on experience and evidence.
Yes, you can. Many repetitive strain injuries don’t appear suddenly they build up over weeks, months, or even years. It’s one of the most common reasons people assume they can’t bring a claim. But under Irish law, what matters is when you first became aware that your symptoms might be linked to your work.
This is known as the date of knowledge, and it’s the point from which your two-year time limit to make a claim usually begins. So even if your first twinge happened more than two years ago, the clock might only start ticking when:
This is especially important for Type 2 RSI, where symptoms can be vague, come and go, or be dismissed as general tiredness. Don’t let uncertainty or time stop you from asking the question.
We’ve helped people who waited months to speak up because they thought the pain would pass, they didn’t want to be seen as complaining, or they weren’t sure if work was the cause. You’re not alone in that.
If in doubt, reach out. Early advice protects your rights. A short conversation with us can clarify your position and give you peace of mind whether you move forward or not.
If you’re starting to notice pain, weakness, tingling or stiffness in your hands, wrists, arms, shoulders or neck especially while doing the same tasks at work it’s worth taking action early. These steps can help protect your health, your job, and your ability to bring a claim if needed:
Not sure what to say to your employer? We’ll help. We can advise you discreetly, even if you’re just exploring your options.
That’s okay. Many people try to manage the pain quietly at first. You can still bring a claim even if no formal complaint was made especially if medical records or work patterns support your case.
Yes. Employers still have a duty to ensure your home working setup is safe. If poor equipment or a lack of support contributed to your injury, you may be entitled to claim.
You don’t need one to speak with us. If you’re having ongoing pain and suspect it’s linked to your work, we can guide you through the steps including seeing the right medical professional.
Not unless you decide to move forward. All conversations with us are fully confidential. You’re entitled to seek legal advice at any time without informing your employer.
Yes. Leaving the job doesn’t affect your right to bring a claim. What matters is whether the injury occurred during your time there and whether the legal time limit has been met.
It is. RSI is recognised in Irish law as a workplace injury, particularly when it results from repetitive tasks, lack of ergonomic support, or poor task rotation by the employer.
You may still have a claim. If your work aggravated a previous condition, the employer can still be held responsible for the worsening of your symptoms. It depends on the medical evidence.
Not usually. Most RSI claims are resolved through the Personal Injuries Assessment Board (PIAB) or by settlement. If court is needed, we’ll guide you through the process and support you throughout.
It depends on the severity of the injury, how it affects your work and life, and the cost of any treatment. We’ll give you a clear, realistic view after reviewing your case.
You usually have two years from when you first became aware the injury was work-related. This may not be the day symptoms started so it’s worth checking if you’re still within time.
You don’t need to have all the paperwork or a perfect explanation. If you think your job may have caused your pain, we’ll help you make sense of it. If you’re unsure, we’re here to help you figure it out.
