Posted By Sheila Dover Recently a newspaper in Canada reported that people suffering with repetitive strain injuries were experiencing mostly "Hysteria" - in other words they did not really have the condition - I work with many people who are suffering "real pain" and would not appreciate being sterotyped in this manner - how do you feel on this subject

Posted By Frank Cooper Sheila, Whatever the type of industrial injury there will always be malingerers as well as genuine cases. It is the genuine cases I feel sorry for because their employer has let them down in most instances. However, the thrust must be on removing the causes of injuries. The more we do to remove the possibilities, the better the workplace will be. It is only by having in place safe systems of working (with suitable tools and equipment) and ensuring that such systems are robustly enforced that we will keep such injuries to a minimum. It matters not whether it is ULD's / RSI or anything else. It's a hard slog, but just occasionally it all seems to be worth it! Regards, Frank Cooper