Type of injury prevalent in construction workplaces
The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) has reminded employers to raise awareness and promote the prevention of repetitive strain injuries (RSI).
“RSIs can happen to a variety of workers from all types of industries. Gripping, holding, bending, twisting, clenching, and reaching - these ordinary movements that we naturally make every day are not particularly harmful in the activities of our daily lives,” said CCOHS.
“What makes them hazardous in work situations is the continual repetition of the movements. Other contributing work factors can include awkward postures and fixed body positions, excessive force concentrated on small parts of the body such as the hand or wrist, a fast pace of work with insufficient breaks or recovery time, and psychosocial factors such as stress.”
These types of injuries are far too common in the construction industry, according to Maggiano, Digirolamo, Lizzi P.C.
“There are many physical challenges in construction, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling – which leads to repetitive motion. This includes the heaviest tools for the job like concrete, timbers, lumber, steel beams, and more. They also have to assume awkward positions for extended periods of time, putting them at risk,” according to the New Jersey, U.S.-based law firm.
Because of this, employers have to be careful with how much strain they put on their workers, and they must provide proper safety requirement on the job and training for use, it said.
Under workers’ compensation laws, construction employees can collect benefits if repetitive stress caused an injury or the aggravation of a pre-existing condition, noted Hofmann & Schweitzer.
They may also qualify for permanent disability benefits if the injury makes it impossible to earn a living or has forced the employee to retire early.
In New York, construction workers may even sue a third party for a work injury resulting from negligence, according to the New York, U.S-based firm.
Under the law, a third party may be liable for an injury caused by failure to provide protective equipment, negligent work or training practices or non-ergonomic workplace conditions.
To help workplaces promote RSI Day, CCOHS has infographics, social media cards, posters, and podcasts available for free at www.ccohs.ca/events/rsi.
Recently, WorkSafeBC penalized four British Columbia construction firms for workplace safety violations.
Previously, Kalan Constructions Ltd. was fined $6,122.42 for errors made while installing siding at a three-storey house under construction in Maple Ridge.
