Ergonomics is important everyday, not just on the annual RSI Day!

Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day is February 29 (February 28 in non-leap years). As the only “non-repetitive” day of the year, it is the ideal date to devote to raising awareness of repetitive strain injuries. RSI Day is a global event, which more than 30 countries will participate in this year.

RSIs is an umbrella term describing painful ailments affecting tendons, muscles, nerves and joints due to overuse or misuse. RSIs typically affect body parts such as the neck, back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. These symptoms can progress into chronic and crippling disorders that sometimes no amount of physiotherapy or surgery can correct.

COVID-19 and stay at home orders necessitated a significant number of our members to pivot to working from home for lengthy periods in 2020, and again in 2021. Please refer to this website for valuable information on RSIs.

Remember, your employer has a responsibility to maintain safe, including ergonomically safe, working conditions for you. If you have any concerns, report them to your supervisor and the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), if necessary, to make sure that you are working safely from home and avoiding RSIs.