Research evidence and workplace experiences confirm prevention of repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) is decidedly achievable.
Workers Health & Safety Centre (WHSC) offers many
supporting information resources, including reviews of the scientific literature and
actual workplace case studies. Together they demonstrate not only is prevention achievable and the right thing to do, but it is cost-effective too. Further, and perhaps most important,
worker participation is key in implementing successful workplace solutions.
Training for participation and prevention
Providing information alone however will not ensure its application. With this reality in mind, WHSC offers many
ergonomics training programs, the newest of which we are offering in
virtual classrooms this year in support of
RSI Awareness Day.
WHAT: |
Ergonomics and MSDs -- Virtual |
WHEN: |
Friday, February 26, 2021
Register for one of the two sessions:
9:00AM - 12:00PM or 1:00PM - 4:00PM |
COST: |
$20 plus HST
Space is limited so register today |
Origins of RSI Awareness Day
RSIs or MSDs are the leading cause of pain and disability for workers. This broad classification of injury, year after year, accounts for upwards of
40 per cent of all lost-time claims allowed by Ontario’s Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Many more related claims are denied and even more are never reported.
More than 20 years ago and here in Ontario, a small dedicated band of worker activists began a
movement to focus awareness on these debilitating injuries, show support for the many workers whose lives have been significantly impacted and to bring much-needed attention to prevention. Ever since, on the
last day in February, workers, worker representatives and an
ever-broadening community of allies organize and participate in RSI Awareness Day events.
Work-related hazards
A host of all too common work hazards can play a
role in the development of musculoskeletal pain and disorders including repetition, forceful movements, heavy loads, excessive pace of work, awkward or fixed postures, insufficient recovery time, cold temperatures, physical trauma, psychosocial stress, and vibration.
The
COVID-19 crisis presents new related concerns for some, including the many now working temporarily from home with less than ideal workstations. Some also couple this with new sources of stress, such as juggling elder care, childcare and supervising school age children trying to learn at home and online. For others deemed essential and still reporting to a workplace, heavier workloads, less recovery time and the added stress presented by this pandemic add further to the risk of injury.
Employer obligations
In Ontario, health and safety law places significant
obligations on employers to protect workers. This includes a general duty to identify, assess and control or eliminate exposure to all hazards including those that give rise to RSIs and MSDs. Employers must also provide
information, instruction and training including MSD awareness, safe work procedures and processes to report hazards and MSD-related symptoms including pain, stiffness, tingling and swelling in the affected area.
For workplaces under federal jurisdiction and governed by the
Canada Labour Code, employers must develop, implement and monitor a program for the prevention of hazards, including those responsible for the development of MSDs.
OHCOW ergonomic resources too!
WHSC information and training resources aimed at RSIs/MSDs prevention benefit from many of the excellent tools developed by the Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW). Many of these
tools are available on the OHCOW website.
Early on in the pandemic we also worked together to produce a
webinar on simple ergonomics solutions workers could implement while working from home.
This month to mark RSI Awareness Day 2021,
OHCOW is hosting a webinar series of their own. Details are also
available on their website.
To learn more about WHSC and other training opportunities:
Contact a
WHSC training services representative near you.
Email:
contactus@whsc.on.ca
Call: 1-888-869-7950
Visit:
www.whsc.on.ca
Follow us too on
Twitter,
Facebook,
YouTube and
LinkedIn.