International Repetitive Strain Injury Day aims to raise awareness about preventing the causes of workplace injuries

February 21, 2014

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

International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day, Friday, February 28th, aims to highlight the causes of RSIs, the need to prevent them and the importance of fair compensation for injured workers.

In 2013, an RSI Day Survey, conducted by BCNU, was completed by 197 members and found that over 90 per cent of those participating had experienced signs and symptoms of RSI at some point in their lives.

Symptoms of RSI include persistent muscle and soft tissue pain, as well as tingling, numbness and loss of strength. Risk factors for RSI include frequently repeated movements that use the same muscles, and require forceful exertion, or awkward postures. Examples of tasks with RSI risk factors are repetitive, high volume:

Injection administration
Set-ups such as opening OR packages
Dialysis equipment programming
Chemotherapy drug administration via syringe pump
Data entry.

Preventing the causes of RSI is key. To make a difference at your workplace:

Learn to identify risk factors for RSI in your work
Report concerns to your supervisor or manager
Tell your BCNU Steward or BCNU Joint OHS Committee Representative and recommend preventative actions through the Joint OHS Committee
Participate in the BCNU online RSI Day Survey by clicking http://fluidsurveys.com/s/rsi/