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

February 28, 2020

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

Saturday, February 29 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
Physically moving patients*

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

Seek First Aid and follow up with your doctor as soon as you can.
Report all incidents and near misses 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 or filing online.
Contact your BCNU Joint OH&S Committee (JOHSC) representative or BCNU steward to request an ergonomic assessment and to make suggestions for changes in the work environment, tools, equipment and how the work is done.

Prevention is key. You have the right to participate in OH&S activities! If you identify a risk of RSI in the workplace, you must report this to your supervisor or manager. Then, send a follow up email to document the discussion and include your BCNU steward and JOHSC representative in the email to keep them informed. Be sure to include suggestions for changes in the work environment, tools, equipment and how the work is done to eliminate, and where elimination is not possible, minimize the risk of RSIs.

*All Health Authorities have a no lift policy which states workers are not to lift/move patients without the use of a mechanical patient lift.