Friday Feb 29, 2008 - International RSI Awareness Day

Friday Feb. 29, 2008 marks the ninth annual Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day —the day that injured workers, trade unionists, health and safety professionals, health care practitioners, and others take time to help raise awareness of RSIs and the need for action aimed at prevention, rehabilitation and compensation. 

The incidence of work-related musculoskeletal injuries, also known as repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) has reached epidemic proportions.  According to the Ontario Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) statistics, RSIs account for more than 50 per cent of all reported injuries. Workers in all sectors of the economy are developing these disorders. Equally troubling, the numbers of workers developing RSIs show no sign of declining. Beyond the numbers are the incalculable human and social costs of these painful, disabling injuries.

All year long, locals should encourage members to report RSI problems to employers, file WSIB claims for all workplace injuries or pain, and ensure that ergonomic problems are included in the priorities of joint health and safety committees.     

Members are also encouraged to participate in a RSI Day event in their workplace or community. 

Toronto event:

The Toronto event will feature:

• annual proclamation from the City of Toronto

• entertaining 1-hour play, “W.R. Commissioner Meredith”

• keynote speaker, Dr. Ellen MacEachen, “Hurt vs. Harm” the logic behind the early return to work policy of the WSIB

• presentation by Occupational Health Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW) Ergonomist

• labour panel    

Location:         25 Cecil Street, Toronto 

Date:               Friday Feb. 29, 2008

Time:              Symposium: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Lunch will be provided at no cost

Free admission.  Please register in advance by emailing Audrey Parks at    parkesa@lao.on.ca  

Windsor event: 
 

The event will focus on the impact of injuries on workers and the newly released MSD Guidelines.  

Location:         Fogolar Furlan Club, 1800 North Service Road E, Windsor 

Date:               Friday February 29, 2008

Time:              9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

$20.00 Admission—must register by Feb. 20 to get lunch included.  Register by phoning OHCOW at 519-973-4800

or Attend a Workers Health and Safety Centre Workshop
 

Or, if you would like to sign up to attend a Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) ergonomics course during that week at the reduced rate of $ 10.00 plus GST, click here for 24 locations across Ontario and registration details.