A Day to Raise Awareness: Prevent the Pain from Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)

On February 28, 2021, join your union, Unifor Local 2002, in raising awareness about International Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) day.  Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) day is February 29th because it’s the only non-repetitive day of the year. We observe the day on February 28th in non-leap years. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI) refer to a category of injuries involving damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves caused by overuse or misuse.

Occupational injuries to muscles, nerves, and tendons may not be life-ending, but they can certainly be life-altering. Their impact can rob workers of their mobility and their dignity. Workers are often left unable to care for themselves or those they love. A hard reality for many that also impacts their quality of life.  

Work-related hazards
A host of all-too-common work hazards can play a role in the development of musculoskeletal pain and disorders including repetition, forceful movements, heavy loads, the excessive pace of work, awkward or fixed postures, insufficient recovery time, cold temperatures, physical trauma, psychosocial stress, and vibration.
 
The COVID-19 crisis presents new related concerns for some, including the many now working temporarily from home with less-than-ideal workstations. Some also couple this with new sources of stress, such as juggling eldercare, childcare, and supervising school-age children trying to learn at home and online. For others deemed essential and still reporting to a workplace, heavier workloads, less recovery time, and the added stress presented by this pandemic add further to the risk of injury.

Employer obligations
For workplaces under federal jurisdiction and governed by the Canada Labour Code, employers must develop, implement and monitor a program for the prevention of hazards, including those responsible for the development of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which is known as the Hazard Prevention Program (HPP). 

As union activists and health and safety advocates, our members are on the front lines of pushing for better, safer work environments.  Unifor is committed to promoting injury prevention and raise awareness about the prevalence of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and their effects as prevention is key.