What is RSI?
RSI is the abbreviated term for Repetitive Strain (sprain) Injuries. It is an umbrella term for injuries to soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and nerves) of the neck, upper and lower back, shoulders, wrists, arms and hand. Such injuries are caused by a variety of factors such as poor postures, repetition, force, temperature extremes, vibration and others.
International RSI Awareness Day
The last day of February each year is used to promote awareness of sprain and strain injuries. More than 12 countries promote RSI awareness on this day. The first RSI awareness day was on February 29, 2000 because it was the only non-repetitive day of the year. RSI Day evolved from an e-mail proposal by a Canadian injured worker. In non-leap years it is observed February 28. In 2001, the CAW launched a national campaign for ergonomic regulations on RSI Day.
Why Should You Care?
RSIs are a serious occupational health concern around the world. In some provinces in Canada, sprains and strains account for 50% of all occupational injuries and illnesses and of this nearly 30% are to the back. RSIs are a direct result of poor job design. The CAW believes raising awareness through workplace education is a vital step towards protecting workers from RSIs. No matter what job you perform in your workplace you can possibly develop RSI.
Symptoms and Signs of Injury
Symptoms may act to limit the movement of limbs. Any restriction in ability to move your limbs is a key indication that something is wrong with your body. Always take symptoms seriously. Both the worker and employer suffer a variet of health and economic effects as a result of workplace injuries. Injured workers may suffer work restrictions, permanent disabilities, loss in earning power and loss in quality of life. Employers experience significant operational effects through increased injuries such as higher insurance rates, loss of worker expertise, reduced quality, production problems, more scrap, and increased warranty claims resulting in economic loss. Signs of injury include:
- Numbness
- Tingling
- Swelling
- Redness
- Discolouration
- Fatigue
- Mental strain
What can you do if you are at risk or develop a RSI ?
Report problems to your Supervisor, First Aid and your CAW Health & Safety and WCB Reps.
What is the CAW doing to prevent RSIs?
The CAW has bargained ergonomic language in collective agreements.
See some examples below:
- Joint workplace committees and processes in ergonomics that exceed minimum government regulations
- Union input into workstation and machinery design
- Ergonomics awareness training for all workers
- Workplace accommodation procedures for injured workers
- Improvements to the engineering work allocation and product design processes
- Workplace representatives to address ergonomic concerns
RSI prevention through the use of ergonomics creates long-term benefits for both workers and the employer.
WHY SHOULD YOU CARE?
→ Push for ergonomics in your workplace.
→ Send a letter to your MP, MLA or MPP for ergonomic regulations.
Currently there are only three provinces in Canada with ergonomic regulations:
British Columbia, Manitoba & Saskatchewan. In addition, the federal Regulation 19 has been adjusted to include ergonomic hazards. While federally there is no stand alone Ergonomic Regulation, this adjustment can be used to fight back. |
On February 28th, 2010, participate in your area activities through your labour councils and other community organizations to continue raising awareness.
To learn more Register Today for WHSC training aimed at RSI or MSD prevention
Go to www.whsc.on.ca/products/RsiDay.cfm
Ian Bennie – National Health & Safety Coordinator
Ben Bachl – Health & Safety Coordinator, Jazz Air Technical Services
Rossana Dewey – Health & Safety Coordinator Jazz, Customer & Aircraft Services