RSI Awareness Day: Work Shouldn’t Hurt
Friday, Feb. 28 is International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. The day serves as an important reminder that repetitive strain injuries continue to be a leading cause of lost work among nurses and education is key to ensuring what hurts today doesn’t become an injury in the future.
To mark the day and raise awareness, members are encouraged to register for a one-hour webinar on Feb. 28, called Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries which will review practical strategies to identify risk factors, recognize early signs and corrective actions, and identify workplace hazards.
RSI risk factors include frequently repeated movements that use the same muscles and require forceful exertion or awkward postures, such as positioning or moving patients, mass immunizations, data entry, and pill crushing. The four main hazards for work-related MSI disorder include:
- Awkward body posture
- Repetitive movement, especially the rate of repetition
- The force used in performing tasks
- Static loading of muscles
It can be difficult to identify RSI symptoms, which generally occur over time. Some of the signs and symptoms to be aware of include:
- Tightness in muscles
- Stiffness in body
- Tingling and burning sensations in joints and muscles
- Local swelling or change in skin colour
If you experience symptoms:
- Seek first aid and follow up with a doctor.
- Report all incidents and near-misses using the incident reporting process for your worksite.
- Start a WorkSafeBC claim for medical treatment and/or missed time.
- Request an ergonomic assessment or changes to your work environment, equipment or processes.
Members are also encouraged to contact their BCNU Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee representative or steward for more information.
Visit the BCNU website to learn more and access a number of useful resources.