Work Shouldn't Hurt - Support International RSI Awareness Day

February 27, 2016 2 min read

While I sit here writing about the upcoming 17th Annual International RSI Awareness Day,  Monday, February 29th, I cannot help but feel sad and a little angry about my close friend's recent development of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) and how precautions could have been taken to help prevent CTS had she and her employer been more aware of the disorder and its serious consequences.
Repetitive Stress Injury (RSI) is a general term used to describe pain and strain of the muscle, tendon or nerves, typically associated with repetition, awkward posture and overuse of the hands, wrists, arms and shoulders. It is also known as:
  • Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs, MSDs)
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
  • Cumulative Trauma Disorder (CTD)
 In Ontario alone, government statistics indicate MSDs account for:
  • 42% of all lost-time claims
  • 42% of all lost-time claim costs
  • 50% of all lost-time days. (Averages for 1996–2004)
Those are huge numbers and there is growing evidence that suggests Participatory Ergonomics (PE) , where workers and employers get together to identify and address the risks associated with these soft tissue injuries can be effective.
According to Canada's Institute for Work and Health (IWH), participatory ergonomics programs help to increase awareness of ergonomic issues, which is key to preventing injury. Read more...
AWARENESS IS KEY!
And even though you may not be directly affected by these disorders, your support will help increase the awareness. It is estimated that RSIs cost our society indirectly $26 billion dollars annually. As noted by the Worker Health and Safety Centre, approximately 2.3 million Canadians are affected by RSIs every year.
So What Can Be Done?
 AND
Please Visit @RSIDay on Twitter and tweet your support!
Work shouldn't hurt!
JOEL YOUNG
JOEL YOUNG



Also in News

Considerations when Working from Home
Considerations when Working from Home

September 21, 2020 4 min read

"I've been working from my home office for many years, but usually I am out to employers and clients at least 3 days/ week.  Now that I'll be working from home entirely for the next while, it's time to take my own ergonomic consulting advice.  Here are some tips for considerations if you are working from home too."

 

Author: Mindy Gulas Ergonomist

CONTACTING MINDY GULAS:

(519) 532-9524

mindy@kineticlinks.ca

12 Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain
12 Ways to Reduce Digital Eye Strain

October 17, 2019 2 min read

Learn how you can protect your eyes from digital strain.  October is Global Ergonomics Month aimed at increasing awareness of ergonomics and musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
Office staff using ergonomic and standing desks
Standing Desks: A Holistic Approach

September 06, 2019 2 min read

Learn how to manage pain related to Musculoskeletal disorders, reduce employee absenteeism and medical bills by making adjustments to your office furniture.

SUBSCRIBE NOW!