RSI and ergonomic injuries
Repetitive Strain Injury covers a range of conditions:
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- De Quervain's tenosynovitis
- Lateral epicondylitis ("tennis elbow")
- Cervical and shoulder strain from poor workstation setup
- Lumbar pain from prolonged seating
- Computer vision syndrome (eye strain, headaches)
RSI claims succeed where occupational causation can be established — typically requiring medical evidence linking the condition to specific work tasks, ergonomic assessment, and a duration of exposure consistent with the condition.
Office mental health claims
Office workers face mental health injury patterns including:
- Burnout from sustained workload
- Anxiety related to performance pressure
- Depression from workplace bullying or harassment
- Adjustment disorders during organisational change / restructure
The "reasonable management action" exclusion is commonly raised by insurers in office mental health claims — get specialist advice. See our psych injury guide.
Home office workers comp coverage
Workers compensation generally extends to injuries incurred during work in a home office where the work is at the employer's direction. Recent state guidance has clarified that:
- Injuries during work hours, performing work activities, are generally covered
- Injuries during personal activities at home (preparing meals, household tasks) are generally not
- The boundary is fact-specific; some recent decisions have stretched coverage
- Employer obligations to provide adequate home-office equipment may strengthen claims