International RSI Day Aims to Raise Awareness About Preventing the Causes of RSIs

February 26, 2016

Repetitive strain injuries such as carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis and epicondylitis can disable members from working

Monday, February 29 is International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness about the causes of RSIs, the need to prevent them, and the importance of fair compensation for injured workers. According to the Workers Health & Safety Centre, every year some 2.3-million Canadian adults are crippled by RSIs or musculoskeletal disorders that seriously limit their daily activities. The majority of these injuries are caused by work-related activity.

Symptoms of RSIs

Symptoms of RSIs include persistent muscle and soft tissue pain, tingling, numbness and loss of strength. RSI risk factors include frequently repeated movements that use the same muscles, and require forceful exertion or awkward postures. The following tasks, when done repetitively or in high volumes, can be associated with RSIs:

Immunization clinics
Set-ups, such as opening OR packages
Dialysis equipment programming
Chemotherapy drug administration via syringe pump
Data entry
Pill crushing
Removing medications from blister packages

Preventing the causes of RSIs is key

Learn to identify early risk factors for RSIs in your work.
Report concerns to your supervisor or manager as soon as you start to experience signs and symptoms.
Tell your BCNU steward or BCNU Joint OH&S Committee representative and make suggestions for changes in your work practices, equipment and/or work environment to prevent RSIs.

If you feel you are been affected by a repetitive strain injury, here's what to do:

Seek First Aid and schedule a follow up with your doctor as soon as you have signs and symptoms.
Report using the employee incident reporting process for your worksite.
Contact your OH&S steward or representative. (Look on the BCNU board for your local steward or online in the BCNU Member Portal to find your steward).

Start a WorkSafeBC claim for medical treatment and/or missed time from work. Complete a WSBC Form 6 online or by teleclaim 1-888-967-5377.