No longer as difficult to determined as they once were, 'OOS' or 'RSI' claims have progressively lessened over the past few years, with a greater medical understanding of conditions and subsequent handling of treatment contributing to that decline.
There is also now improved awareness of the importance of good ergonomics at the workstation. The availability of quality individually adjustable desks, chairs, and computer and document supports has ensured that employees are much less prone to suffering the effects of this type of disease.
With active attention by the employer to early rehabilitation and workstation set-up, and little contention about employment links, OOS claims and their like, while still an issue, are less complex and time consuming than when they first began to appear in high volumes from 1984 onwards.
Most claims should be able to be determined straight away after consideration of work duties, employer agreement to the claim and a medical certificate that offers a definitive diagnosis - not 'RSI' or 'OOS'.
What must be diagnosed is 'strain', 'sprain', 'epicondylitis', 'tendonitis', or something of that ilk. If 'RSI' or 'OOS' is supplied as a diagnosis, give the doctor a ring and obtain clarification of what the employee really suffers from.
In most cases, the doctor will provide an answer straight away. Try to avoid writing to the doctor, as it not only wastes time but results in claim delays.
Relevant Case Law: Beer v Telecom 1990 (“RSI”)