Workplace repetitive strain injuries affect about 15% of Canadians (over 5 million), according to Statistics Canada. In Ontario they account for over 40% of allowed WSIB lost-time claims – many more are never reported. Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day was established by local injured worker activists on the initiative of Catherine Fenech, and is now commemorated internationally on February 29th, the only non-repetitive day on the calendar (or February 28th in non-leap years).
- To see recordings of OHCOW RSI webinars from past years and to register for the 2025 RSI Day webinars, go to: https://www.ohcow.on.ca/ohcow-events/repetitive-strain-injury-rsi-day/
What are RSIs? A real pain
Repetitive strain injuries are soft-tissue injuries, also known as work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), debilitating conditions that limit normal daily activities and cause persistent pain. The term covers a group of overuse injuries that affect the muscles, nerves and tendons of the neck, upper and lower back, shoulders, arms and hands. Some of the common WMSDs are carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, rotator cuff syndrome, epicondylitis (tennis elbow). They are commonly caused by repetitive or forceful actions or working in an awkward position. Insufficient time to heal, heat or cold, vibration, pace of work or stress are risk factors that can also play a role.
Although many workers suffer from RSIs, these are “invisible” injuries, often poorly understood and those who have them all too often face accusations of malingering. Historically, gender bias has also affected the recognition of repetitive strain injuries. With the entry of women into the workforce, particularly office involving keyboarding or manufacturing work using tools designed for larger grip of the “average male” men, stereotyping by some physicians meant it was often dismissed as a “woman’s complaint”.
What action is needed?
- Employers should modify job tasks, workspace and equipment to ensure the work is physically and mentally comfortable and effective (ergonomic design)
- They should provide effective employee safety training on ergonomic hazards
- The Ontario government should implement ergonomic regulations to ensure employers take these necessary steps, rather than rely on voluntary compliance with guidelines and Ministry of Labour inspection blitzes. OFL’s statement “Ergonomic Regulations are Needed to Prevent Repetitive Strain Injuries” (2017)
- Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers. Ergonomics / Injury Prevention.
- Workers Health & Safety Centre. Ergonomic Resources.
- Ontario. Ministry of Labour. Ergonomics in the Workplace. Toronto: The Ministry.
- Institute for Work & Health. MSD Prevention.
- Canadian Union of Public Employees. Repetitive Strain Injuries.
- Canadian Centre for Occupational Health & Safety. International Repetitive Strain Injury Awareness Day – infographics and other resources