Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day is February 29th*
Feb-14-24About RSIs
RSI stands for repetitive strain injuries. Also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), RSIs are an umbrella term used to describe a family of painful disorders affecting tendons, muscles, nerves and joints in the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands.
Who’s at risk?
RSIs can happen to a variety of workers from all types of industries. Gripping, holding, bending, twisting, clenching, typing, lifting, pushing, pulling, and reaching - these ordinary movements that we naturally make every day are not particularly harmful in the activities of our daily lives. What does make them hazardous in work situations though, is the continual repetition of the movements. Other contributing work factors may include awkward postures and fixed body positions, excessive force concentrated on small parts of the body such as the hand or wrist, a fast pace of work with insufficient breaks or recovery time, and psychosocial factors such as stress.
What are the signs?
There are a number of signs that you may be suffering from an RSI. Pain is the most common symptom associated with workplace RSIs. In some cases, there may be joint stiffness, muscle tightness, redness and swelling of the affected area. Some workers may also experience sensations of "pins and needles," numbness, skin colour changes, and decreased sweating of the hands.
Preventing Workplace RSIs
RSIs are the most frequent type of lost-time injury and the single largest source of lost-time costs in Canada. Preventing them for occurring not only protects your workers, but also makes good business sense.
Eliminate hazards at the source.
- Prevention of RSIs should focus on eliminating repetitive work through job design which may involve mechanizing certain tasks. In addition, jobs should be structured so that workers can rotate between different tasks, using different muscle groups.
Create a well-designed workstation.
- When it is not practical to eliminate the repetitive aspect of a job, a well-designed workstation that is adjusted to fit the worker and allows standing, sitting, or sitting-standing positions, can help. Workers should be provided with appropriate, carefully maintained tools and equipment to reduce the force needed to complete tasks and prevent muscle strain, and avoid awkward positions. It is important that employers work with employees to ensure their workstations are designed and set-up properly, including those working remotely.
Educate and train.
- Because RSIs develop slowly, workers should be trained to understand what causes these injuries, how best to prevent them, and how to recognize the early signs and symptoms of RSI. Workers need to know how to adjust workstations to fit their tasks and individual needs. In addition, employers should encourage workers to take short, frequent rest breaks.