Hamilton, ON - Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
On International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day observed on February 28, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) encourages workplaces to take proactive steps to prevent one of Canada's most common workplace injuries.
Repetitive strain injuries, also known as musculoskeletal disorders, include a range of painful conditions affecting tendons, muscles, nerves and joints in the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms, hands and other parts of the body. Workers who perform repetitive tasks (typing, lifting, twisting, pushing, or pulling) can develop these injuries gradually over time.
There are many signs and symptoms that could signal someone is suffering from a repetitive strain injury. Pain is the most common, but workers can also experience joint stiffness, weakness, muscle tightness, and redness or swelling in the affected area. Some may also experience sensations of pins and needles, numbness, changes in skin colour, and decreased sweating in their hands.
To effectively prevent repetitive strain injuries, workplaces should eliminate hazards at their source and implement prevention strategies to protect workers. This involves eliminating or reducing repetitive work patterns, introducing job rotation, proper workstation setup, providing ergonomic tools and equipment, and encouraging regular breaks. Employers should also train workers on how to recognize symptoms of repetitive strain injury and encourage early reporting of concerns.
To help workplaces raise awareness and adopt prevention practices, CCOHS offers free resources including fact sheets, podcasts, posters and infographics on the Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day webpage at www.ccohs.ca/events/rsi.
