Work Shouldn’t Hurt: Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day, recognized internationally on Feb. 28, serves as an important reminder that RSIs continue to be a leading cause of work-related musculoskeletal injury (MSI) among nurses and other health-care workers. That’s why education, early recognition and prevention efforts remain critical to ensuring that what hurts today doesn’t become a career-altering injury in the future.

In the weeks leading up to RSI Awareness Day, BCNU will be providing members with educational resources and practical tools they can apply immediately at work. The first week will focus on recognizing and identifying early RSI symptoms. The focus will shift to reporting and reinforcing why early reporting is essential to protecting members. In the final week, BCNU will highlight prevention by sharing practical, achievable strategies to reduce the risk of injury in the workplace.

RSIs are a common type of MSIs. The four main hazards contributing to work-related MSIs – which include RSIs – are awkward body posture, repetitive movement – particularly high rates of repetition, the force required to perform tasks, and static loading of muscles. These risks are commonly associated with tasks such as patient handling and positioning, mass immunizations, data entry, pill crushing and extended computer use.

RSI symptoms often develop gradually and can be difficult to recognize. Signs and symptoms to watch for include muscle tightness or stiffness, tingling or burning sensations in joints or muscles, and local swelling or changes in skin colour.

Members experiencing symptoms are encouraged to seek first aid and follow up with a physician, report all incidents and near-misses using the workplace incident reporting process, initiate a WorkSafeBC claim for medical treatment and/or lost time, and request an ergonomic assessment or changes to work environments, equipment, or processes. Members may also contact their BCNU Joint Occupational Health and Safety (JOHS) Committee representative or OHS rep for additional support and information.

Members are also encouraged to register for a Feb. 27 noon-hour webinar, Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries, which will focus on practical strategies to recognize early signs of MSI. 

Learn more and access additional resources.