February 28 is International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day, which is dedicated to RSI education and prevention. Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) 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. RSI refers to a category of injuries involving damage to muscles, tendons, and nerves caused by overuse or misuse.
Every year
some 2.3 million Canadian adults are crippled by RSIs and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that seriously limit their daily activities. Most of these injuries are caused by work-related activities. RSIs and MSDs account for 40 percent of all lost-time injuries filed under workers' compensation. Many more go unreported, and many that are reported are turned down.
Although occupational injuries to muscles, nerves, and tendons may not be life-ending, 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 majority of RSIs or MSDs are preventable.
Actions that can be taken include:
- Reporting symptoms and hazards early to your supervisor and workplace health and safety committee (WHSC) or health and safety representative
- Insisting on quality training to address these issues
- Pressing employers to implement ergonomic prevention solutions
- Encouraging governments to enact effectively and enforced ergonomic regulations
Additionally, the COVID-19 crisis has created additional concerns for some workers, 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 raising awareness about the prevalence of Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) and their effects as prevention is key.
Help us put an end to workplace injury:
On
February 28, 2022, join your union, Unifor Local 2002, in raising awareness about International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) day.
In solidarity,
Sylvie Schmitt
National Health and Safety Coordinators - Air Canada Mainline
Wendy Brennan
National Health and Safety Coordinator - Jazz Aviation Customer and Aircraft Services
Jeff Decker
National Health and Safety Coordinator - Jazz Technical Services
Anees Munshi
National Health and Safety Coordinator - Jazz Aviation Line Technical Services