News & Views
Work that Hurts - International RSI Awareness Day
Tomorrow is International RSI Awareness Day and the Victorian Trades Hall Council is holding a free seminar to highlight the issue.
The Victorian Trades Hall Council will hold a free seminar in Melbourne tomorrow (February 28) as part of International RSI Awareness Day to highlight the serious nature of this global health and safety issue.Repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an umbrella term for many overuse injuries affecting the soft tissue areas of the body. These injuries can develop into crippling disorders that prevent sufferers from working or leading normal lives.
VTHC OHS Unit coordinator Cathy Butcher said International RSI Awareness Day provided an opportunity to raise public awareness of the serious and pervasive nature of the illness.
"While we don't know the exact number of Victorian workers affected by this problem we do know that RSI costs Victoria $10 million dollars a year in compensation costs alone. If you take into account claims payments for "sprain and strain" injuries the figure increases to $872 million.
"Despite the huge costs involved there have only been 4 manual handling prosecutions since last RSI Awareness day. Victorian unions are hopeful that WorkSafe will intensify their efforts to address this serious problem.
"RSI affects workers' in a wide variety of occupations, including construction workers, laboratory assistants, checkout operators, musicians, butchers and a range of others."
Workers' should be aware of the early symptoms of potential repetitive strain injury in order to avoid developing serious and long term injuries, Ms Butcher said.
"Be aware of early symptoms such as wrist pain and visit your doctor with any concerns. Also be aware of any work related activity that leads to physical discomfort and either avoid those situations or find alternative ways of performing those tasks."
Ms Butcher said employers had an important preventative role to play in relation to RSI.
"Employers have legal obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 1985 to ensure that workplace environments are safe and healthy."
What: International RSI Day Seminar
When: Friday 28 February 10am-12.30pm
Where: Victorian Trades Hall Council - Lygon Street Carlton South