Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders (WRULD)

Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder, also known as WRULD, is a term that covers a number of conditions that affect any of the upper limbs, normally arising from repeated physical movements in the workplace. Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) is another term used for this condition, although the more inclusive and broader term of Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder is now more commonly used.

The injuries sustained in Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders vary from damaged nerves, tendons, muscles and soft tissues, with symptoms running from mild swelling, weakness and numbness through to severe pain and loss of grip. There are many recognised conditions that come under the umbrella of Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder including Carpal Tunnel Syndrome; Ganglion; Bursitis; Tennis Elbow; Peritendonitis; De Quervains Syndrome and Trigger Finger or Trigger Thumb.

It is not only repetitive movements that can cause Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders, but also single movements or trauma; any movements that require a lot of force or extended reach; moves that are awkward; and even insufficient rest breaks and rotation of duties. Given that any number of work-related activities can give rise to WRULD, and as the name suggests, most compensation claims for Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders are processed as industrial diseases.

Work-Related Upper Limb Disorders are widely acknowledged and understood, and all employers are made aware of the precautions they must make to protect their employees from WRULD under the Health and Safety Act. Therefore, if you have suffered any type of Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder you are in a strong position to claim for compensation with the help of a claims management company such as Claim-Easy.