Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day

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

RSI 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. 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, 2021, and in 2022 in some cases. Remember, your employer is responsible for maintaining safety, including ergonomically safe working conditions for you. If you have any concerns, report them to your Supervisor, your Health & Safety representative, and the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) if necessary to make sure that you are working safely and avoiding RSIs.

You can find more information about RSIs at www.ohcow.on.ca.