August 2007 - Nestlé Tennis Elbow case

Four workers who developed ‘tennis elbow’ while working at a Nestlé coffee factory have been awarded compensation.

All four worked in a department where a machine was used to turn coffee liquor into granules. The machine often became blocked and required the use of crowbars, steel bars or a jackhammer to free the blockage.

Tennis elbow is the colloquial term for a Repetitive Strain Injury that involves inflammation of the tendons connecting the elbow to the forearm. While it is often associated with tennis players, it can be caused by work that involves repetitive gripping, twisting and reaching.

Tanveer Jaleel, senior partner at TJL Solicitors comments: “This condition can be caused by one incident or can develop as a result of wear and tear over a period of time. Employers should provide protection from tasks that involve repetitive movements of this nature.”