February 29^th—the one day of the year that doesn’t regularly repeat. That’s why it’s the perfect day to celebrate International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. In this non-leap year, it’s being observed today, February 26^th. The goal: To raise awareness of RSIs, also known as musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) or musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), and the need for action aimed at prevention, rehabilitation and compensation. What are RSIs? RSI and related terms are used to describe painful disorders affecting tendons, muscles, nerves and joints in the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. They’re characterized by aches, pains, tingling, swelling and weakness in the affected area. Carpal tunnel syndrome is a good example of an RSI. Causes & Costs According to the Institute for Work & Health (IWH), a number of job factors can contribute to the development of RSIs, such as:

• Repetitive and/or forceful movements;
• Awkward or static postures; and
• Exposure to cold and/or vibration.

And RSIs are often caused by a combination of factors. (The IWH participated in the development of tools to help employers prevent RSIs.) No, RSIs aren’t as “dramatic” as amputations and fatalities and so may not get the attention they deserve from OHS programs and safety coordinators. But ignoring or downplaying the costs of RSIs would be a big mistake. For example, it’s estimated that RSIs account for 30% of all workplace injuries in federally regulated workplaces in Canada. And the IWH says RSIs account for about 40% of lost-time workers’ comp claims in Ontario. Regulation of RSIs Do the OHS laws address RSIs? All Canadian OHS laws—either expressly or implicitly—require employers to protect workers from the ergonomics hazards that cause RSIs. And the regulators are getting serious about enforcing this requirement. The most notable example is the Ontario Ministry of Labour, which, on April 1, 2006, launched Operation Pains and Strains, a series of initiatives designed to reduce RSIs in the workplace, including stepped up inspections of workplaces with a history of RSIs. Click here for more on the regulation of RSIs and what you need to do to ensure your company complies with ergonomics regulations.