February 29,2016 is Repetitive Strain Injuries Awareness Day

Do you know Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSIs) or Musculosketal Disorders (MSDs)?

They are the injuries caused by repeated movement of a particular part of the body, which has become epidemic since computers have entered the workplace in large numbers. Though still few Canadians know about RSIs or MSDs, every year some 2.3 million Canadian adults are experiencing repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or MSDs and the majority of these injuries are caused by work-related activities. Repetition, rapid work pace, awkward positions, forceful movements, vibration, cold temperatures, occupational stress and too little recovery time from hard physical labor are the main culprits.

In fact, more than 40 per cent of all lost-time injuries allowed by Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) are RSIs or MSDs. This is the single largest class of compensation claims in the province. Many more are never reported.

Beyond the social, emotional and economic costs to affected individuals are the economic costs to us all, estimated at upwards of $26 billion dollars annually. To raise the awareness of this growing epidemic, the last day of February has been proclaimed as International RSI Awareness Day. International RSI Awareness Day features scores of events taking place around the world on the last day of February, including here in Canada. Work shouldn’t hurt. Integrate health and wellness into daily living and working! http://www.labour.gov.on.ca   https://www.whsc.on.ca/Events/RSI-Day