CSS INJURIES

[notts1862]

Hello. Has anyone suffered with repetitive strain injure while running a css. We only run it for 2 hours on and 2 hours off but so far we've had postmen off sick or with drawing from the css with shoulder pain, back pain and stomach trouble also cramp in the lower limbs.
One person went off sick with one of the above symptoms and got a stage.

[DGP1]

I get RSI from work too, maybe it's spending several hours on IPS or prep without a break.............although TBF we normally run out of stuff to sort/prep so you can at least get a break while you're doing the packets (or should that be parcels ).

[pinstripe]

We haven't had anyone go off with repetitive strain injuries, but we still have 2 operators for each machine and work alternative batches not certain time limits.

[BettySwollocks]

I've worked on CSS for nearly 3 years and occasionally get wrist pain (in 1 wrist), when that happens i wear a wrist support like this one -

Carpal_tunnel_splint (640x386).jpg

and the pain eventually subsides,
almost every person (all but 1) have said since working on these machines they have experienced some form of pain to joints that they never had as a postie,
2 lads who have since retired have had operations due to carpal tunnel syndrome.

[alanmc]

at our mail centre we work 8hrs straight on these machines for the last 2 yrs .weve had a few people with shoulder pains not many as no1 wants to work on them anyway we have a agreement for 2hrs on /off but aint got trained staff to do it

[underpants]

I have shoulder probs and carpal tunnel syndrome I have also got a hand brace as well and Im a sorter .

[pink panther]

there will be loads of complaints in the very near future. Just wait and see

[BettySwollocks]

there will be loads of complaints in the very near future. Just wait and see

Can see a few claims being banged in for sure.

[Billy Ray]

RM know about these problems but are doing nothing about it .....as usual.

[Red Robbo]

RM know about these problems but are doing nothing about it .....as usual.

Says a lot for the Union too !

[Budfrog]

A full risk assessment was undertaken on CSS machines before they were introduced and the Standard Operating Procedures were developed with full CWU input as well as qualified ergonomists. Post implementation anti-fatigue mats were also introduced to combat potential problems associated with walking on a hard surface.

In any environment where employees are required to operates machines there will always be an element of risk, the same goes for areas where there is a lot of manual handling. Provided the schedules allow for recovery time (which I believe the national agreement facilitates) AND Mail Centres/MPUs adhere to those schedules the risk of injury/RSI will be minimised. I have so far witnessed an OPG with pre-existing knee condition resign as a CSS Team Leader and a couple of minor cuts, there was also a design flaw on the paddle which has since been remedied. If there are areas of potential risk then warning posters should be displayed on the CSS noticeboard and staff should be briefed.

There are some very capable CWU safety reps in Royal Mail, I suggest staff contact them if there are any issues with CSS machines.