EMPLOYER'S RESPONSIBILITIES

• Employers are responsible for Health & Safety within their workplace
• Employers must identify, assess and control hazards
• Employers are responsible for the design of the workplace as it affects health & safety
• Employers must provide training and education for employees
• Employers must monitor the exposure to significant hazards
• Employers must monitor the health of each employee exposed to significant hazards
• Employers must provide a system of early detection, access to treatment, and a rehabilitation system
• OOS may be categorised as 'Serious Harm' by the Courts, as it results in 'Temporary loss of bodily function.'
• OOS may be a notifiable condition because it is 'Serious Harm' and as such it must be reported to WorkSafe NZ
  

Commonly known as Repetition Strain Injury or Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorder , the term is misleading as it has been found that it is not necessarily the repetition or rapid movements that cause the condition. It is a prolonged and sustained muscle contraction that causes the problems.

So, the medical and health profession then began to use the term Occupational Overuse Syndrome. However as the condition is not necessarily work related the condition is referred to as OVERUSE INJURY.

For an in-depth guide on OOS prevention for the Employer Click here for our How to Prevent OOS eBook >>

Click here for further information on Occupational Health & Safety in general >>