Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day

From coast to coast, Unifor members are focusing on a variety of activities around this year’s 15th International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day on February 28.  We must continue to emphasize the need for Ergonomic Regulations, Justice and Dignity for Injured Workers and Respectful Accommodation.

The final day of February is marked as International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. Catherine Fenech of Toronto, an injured worker, launched the annual observance in 2000. The idea was to use the day to increase public attention and corporate and government action on a class of injuries that statistics showed had been on the rise throughout the 1990s and today, show no sign of declining.  The consequences of RSIs are far reaching and can affect every aspect of our lives which is why we need regulations, not voluntary programs and enforcement.

Repetitive strain injury (RSI), also known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), is an umbrella term for a number of overuse injuries affecting the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and nerves) of the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. These disorders can be caused by work activities that are frequent and repetitive, or activities with awkward postures. They are a serious occupational health concern across the world and are recognized as leading causes of significant human suffering.

As part of your awareness building activities, you can reproduce the Health and Safety Fact Sheets on shoulders, backs, wrists, arms and standing from the links below:

RSI day brochure

Protect your back

Protect your hands,wrists and arms

Protect your shoulders

Protect your feet