Approximately 2.3 million Canadian adults are crippled, annually, by repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), seriously limiting their daily activities.
RSIs are one of the most common types of injuries in the workplace. RSIs or MSDs painfully effect muscles, nerves, and joints in the neck, back, chest, shoulders, arms, and hands.
As we recognize Repetitive Strain Injuries Awareness Day, on February 28, the Ontario Federation of Labour’s Prevention Link encourages every Ontarian to support the many workers who fall victim to one of the most common types of injuries in the workplace.
Work shouldn’t hurt! The majority of RSIs or MSDs are preventable There are crucial steps you can take to help build awareness around RSIs, including:
- Early reporting of symptoms and hazards to supervisors
- Implementation of ergonomic prevention solutions
- Worker involvement in suggestions and implementation
- Timely reporting to the WSIB of work-related MSD
- Quality training to address these issues and more
Through our work, Prevention Link aims to prevent more MSDs workplace injuries. Our Lighthouse Initiative serves several categories of vulnerable workers: those returning to work after an injury; and those who may not have been injured but have limited knowledge of occupational health and safety laws and available resources.