International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day Aims to Raise Awareness About Preventing RSI

February 23, 2018

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

Wednesday, February 28 is International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. The day is an opportunity to raise awareness about RSIs, the need to prevent them, and the importance of fair compensation for injured workers.

Symptoms of RSI include persistent muscle and soft tissue pain, tingling or numbness, stiffness, and weakness. Examples of RSI are carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis and tendinopathies.

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, have risk factors for RSI:

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

If you experience symptoms, here's what to do:

Seek First Aid and follow up with your doctor as soon as you can.
Report using the employee incident reporting process for your worksite.
Start a WorkSafeBC claim for medical treatment and/or missed time from work by calling TeleClaim at 1-888-967-5377. You may also print the Form 6 (available online) to complete and fax.
Contact your OH&S steward or BCNU Joint OH&S Committee (JOHSC) representative to request an ergonomic assessment or to make suggestions for changes in the work environment, tools, equipment and how the work is done, to remove or reduce RSI risk factors. (Look on the BCNU board for your local steward or online at www.bcnu.org to find your steward).

Prevention is key. If you identify risk factors for RSI in your work, report concerns to your supervisor or manager and tell your BCNU steward or BCNU JOHSC representative. When discussing your concerns, make suggestions for changes in the work environment, tools, equipment and how the work is done, with a goal to remove or reduce RSI risk factors.