How early action can save workers from chronic conditions
In recognition of International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day on February 28, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) is calling on workplaces to take proactive measures to prevent one of Canada’s most prevalent workplace injuries.
Repetitive strain injuries, also known as musculoskeletal disorders, affect the muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints in various parts of the body, including the neck, back, shoulders, and hands. These injuries often develop gradually due to repetitive motions such as typing, lifting, twisting, pushing, or pulling.
Pain is the most common symptom of repetitive strain injuries, but affected individuals may also experience joint stiffness, muscle tightness, weakness, swelling, and/or changes in skin sensation or colour.
If left unaddressed, these conditions can lead to chronic pain and long-term disability, CCOHS warns.
To prevent repetitive strain injuries, CCOHS advises employers to eliminate hazards at their source and implement effective prevention strategies, including:
- Reducing repetitive work patterns
- Introducing job rotation
- Optimizing workstation ergonomics
- Providing ergonomic tools and equipment
- Encouraging regular breaks
- Training workers on recognizing early symptoms and reporting concerns promptly
CCOHS offers various free resources to support awareness and prevention efforts, including fact sheets, podcasts, posters, and infographics, noting these materials are available on the RSI Awareness Day webpage.
International RSI Awareness Day is observed annually on February 28 (or February 29 in leap years) to promote education on repetitive strain injury prevention. The date was chosen as it is the only “non-repetitive” day of the year.
Data from the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC) shows that in 2023, there were 10,874 accepted lost-time injury claims related to musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and disorders—an increase of 6.5% from the previous year.
