Checklist for identifying RSI and work pressure risks in computer screen work for individual employees

Abstract

The Checklist for Detecting RSI and Workload Risks in VDU Work for Individual Employees (Dutch: Checklijst voor het opsporen van RSI- en werkdrukrisico’s beeldschermwerk voor individuele werknemers) is a practical screening tool designed to identify whether an employee is at an increased risk of developing health issues related to RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) or high psychological workload. This instrument systematically maps potential risk factors across several critical domains of the work environment.

The assessment utilizes a series of questions covering existing physical complaints, specific work tasks, working hours, perceived workload, workplace ergonomics, and general working methods. Results are interpreted using a clear traffic light model: Green signifies low or no risk of RSI complaints; Orange indicates potential bottlenecks and an elevated chance of health problems related to RSI or workload; and Red suggests a probable correlation between reported health complaints and the current work environment, necessitating immediate intervention.

Keywords

RSI, Repetitive Strain Injury, Workload, Occupational Health, VDU work, Ergonomics, Screening Tool, Questionnaire, Arbozone, Psychological Risk, Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Authors

arbozone (2013)

Purpose

The primary purpose of this checklist is preventative screening and risk assessment within the field of occupational health. It serves as an initial, rapid assessment tool for employers and employees to proactively identify and mitigate environmental and behavioral risks associated with intensive Visual Display Unit (VDU) use and high job demands.

By quantifying risk factors across multiple dimensions—from physical setup (workplace) to psychosocial elements (workload and working hours)—the checklist facilitates targeted intervention strategies. Its aim is to prevent the onset or worsening of musculoskeletal disorders (like RSI) and stress-related conditions before they become chronic or debilitating, thereby promoting a healthier working environment.

Construct

This scale measures two primary, interrelated constructs relevant to modern office work: the risk of developing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs), specifically focusing on RSI, and the level of perceived psychological workload. The instrument conceptualizes risk as a multifactorial outcome resulting from the interaction between physical strain (e.g., repetitive motions, poor posture) and psychological strain (e.g., time pressure, excessive demands).

The checklist provides a holistic assessment of these constructs by examining six distinct areas: physical complaints, specific work tasks, time management, perceived pressure, ergonomic setup, and individual working habits. The resulting “traffic light” score serves as an indicator of the cumulative risk exposure for the individual employee regarding screen work hazards.

Validity

Specific detailed psychometric data regarding the validity of the Checklijst voor het opsporen van RSI- en werkdrukrisico’s is not provided in the source documentation. However, as a workplace screening instrument, its utility relies heavily on its content and face validity, ensuring that the questions asked directly pertain to established risk factors for RSI and psychological stress, as defined by occupational health guidelines.

For applications requiring high precision, criterion validity (correlation with objective ergonomic assessment or clinical diagnosis) would be essential. While this information is not readily available, the design suggests the checklist is intended primarily for practical, immediate risk identification and prioritization of areas needing further professional ergonomic or medical review.

Reliability

Information regarding the internal consistency (e.g., Cronbach’s Alpha) or test-retest reliability of the checklist is not publicly documented in the source material. For a reliable screening tool to be effective in monitoring employee health, one would expect high internal consistency within the sub-domains (e.g., workload questions correlating highly with each other) and stability of scores over short periods, assuming no material change in the employee’s work environment or tasks.

Factor Analysis

No published data concerning the underlying factor structure or results of exploratory or confirmatory factor analysis for this instrument is available in the source documentation. Given its structure covering six distinct domains (Complaints, Tasks, Time, Pressure, Workplace, Methods), the scale likely operates on a multi-dimensional model where scores are independently calculated or weighted across these areas to determine the final, aggregated risk level indicated by the traffic light system.

Instrument

Test Type: Questionnaire / Screening Checklist

Format: Self-report or administered checklist, utilizing a traffic light scoring model (Green, Orange, Red) for immediate, categorized interpretation of risk.

Language Available: Dutch (Nederlands)

Population Group: Employees engaged in VDU (Visual Display Unit) work.

Age Group: Adults (Volwassenen)

Population Details: Individuals involved in education, profession/work, and economic life settings where screen use and associated physical or psychosocial stress risks are prevalent.

Test Methodology: The methodology involves quantifying exposure to specific risk factors (behavioral, physical, and psychosocial) across six key domains and translating the cumulative exposure into a categorized risk level using a simple, actionable visualization model.

Keywords

RSI screening, ergonomic assessment, psychosocial risk, repetitive strain, occupational health psychology, VDU hazards, arbozone, Dutch checklist, preventative measure.

Authors

Author ORCID Identifier: N/A

Affiliation Email addresses: N/A

Correspondence Address: N/A (Associated with arbozone, 2013)

Permissions & Fee and Test Year

The instrument was developed by arbozone and published in 2013. Specific information regarding current licensing fees or necessary permissions for widespread organizational use is not detailed in the available source material. Interested users should contact the original authors or publisher (arbozone) directly for formal usage rights.

The original explanatory manual (Toelichtingsformulier) for this checklist is available for download as a PDF: https://scales.arabpsychology.com/wp-content/uploads/instrumenten/455_1_N.pdf

Reference’s

arbozone (2013). Checklijst voor het opsporen van RSI- en werkdrukrisico’s beeldschermwerk voor individuele werknemers. Unpublished instrument/manual.

Items of the Checklijst voor het opsporen van RSI- en werkdrukrisico’s beeldschermwerk voor individuele werknemers

IMPORTANT: The following scale items must be preserved in their original language and must not be changed in any way.

The specific text of the original scale items was not included in the source content. The checklist structure, however, is confirmed to cover items related to the following six domains:

• Klachten (Complaints)
• Werktaken (Work Tasks)
• Werktijden (Working Hours)
• Werkdruk (Workload/Work Pressure)
• Werkplek (Workplace/Ergonomics)
• Werkwijze (Working Methods)