Work Shouldn’t Hurt – International RSI Awareness Day
February 1, 2026
The Origins
International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day takes place on February 29th as it is the only day of the year that does not repeat annually. The day is observed on February 28th on non-leap years.
The day’s origins can be traced back to the founder of the movement, Catherine Fenech. Fenech was 26 years old when she experienced her first RSI overworking her right wrist on a cash register. Prior to being diagnosed with tendonitis, Fenech described her pain as “feeling like the bones in [her] wrist were being ripped apart.” She couldn’t afford to quit her job, so she powered through the pain. Six months later, Fenech’s hand completely gave out.
Fenech was repositioned to stocking shelves and compensated for her injury with her left arm. Over time, this led to her left hand developing RSI symptoms as well, which eventually spread to her elbow and shoulder. By the time Fenech found a doctor who was able to properly diagnose her, the damage was done: both of her arms were permanently damaged.
Over the next eight years, Fenech fought for accommodations at work and it fueled her desire to make sure others did not suffer a similar fate.
In 1998, she reached out to an online support group called “Sore Hands” for people with RSIs, and asked if anyone was interested in organizing an International RSI Awareness Day. The positive response led to the formation of a small committee. The committee launched a website and set the guidelines for the movement which enabled each participating country to run the event they way they saw fit. In its first year, International RSI Awareness Day had 14 countries take part, including Canada.
Fenech organized the first Canadian RSI Awareness Day press conference at Queen’s Park in Toronto in 1999. In 2005, Fenech and the RSI Awareness Committee presented multiple petitions with thousands of signatures calling on the provincial government to implement ergonomic regulation. The government responded with the Ergonomic Subcommittee of the Manufacturing Health & Safety Panel. In 2007, the Ontario Ministry of Labour introduced the Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Guideline on RSI Awareness Day.
While the movement to recognize and prevent RSIs has seen progress, it is still on us as individuals to make sure we are alert to potential hazards and the symptoms of RSIs, and keep ourselves, our coworkers, and workplaces safe.
What is an RSI?
A repetitive strain injury, or musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), is an umbrella term that encompasses any type of injury caused by repetitive motion or constant use. RSIs can affect your musculature, joints, and tendons. Common places for these injuries include (but are not limited to) your hands, elbows, shoulders, neck, chest, upper and lower back, knees, and feet.
Developing RSI symptoms can include pain, swelling, tingling, numbness, decreased ability to use muscles, aching, and pale white skin. Common RSIs include:
- Tendonitis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
- Trigger finger
- Degenerative Disc disease
- Pinched Nerves
- Ganglion Cysts
While some of these symptoms can be individually treated, if the source of the injury is not addressed, they can worsen and ultimately become permanent.
Effects on Mental Health
While it is easy to focus on the physical symptoms of RSIs on the body, it is important to keep the psychological component of health in mind as well.
Dealing with RSIs while working is stressful. Not only do RSIs inhibit your performance at work, but they can impact your overall quality of life outside of work as well.
Workplace and mental health issues, in conjunction with RSIs, can be detrimental to an individuals’ ability to recover. If an RSI is causing you mental stress in your personal and/or professional life, do not be afraid to share this with your doctor as it is an important part of addressing the injury.
RSIs in the Workplace
Understanding RSIs is critical to workplace health and safety: educating yourself can substantially reduce or eliminate the risk of injury.
By identifying potential hazards and knowing the symptoms of repetitive strain injuries, you can keep your Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Representative informed so they can address hazards and prevent others from experiencing similar injuries.
And remember: You have the right to refuse and report unsafe work practices. Learn more about what that means and the proper procedure to follow on our Right to Refuse flyer.
Getting to the source and addressing an RSI hazard can be done in multiple ways:
Elimination:
- Elimination is the best way of preventing RSIs as it gets rid of the source hazard. For example, if workers are consistently getting injured reaching for far-off objects, your JHSC/H&S Rep could find a way to reorganize the workspace to bring the objects closer to the workers without having them reach and strain their bodies.
Design & Optimization
- Optimizing a process or workspace can also help reduce RSIs as eliminating hazards isn’t always viable. Having proper tools and good workstation designs helps ensure that workers can do their job to the best of their ability with minimum strain to their bodies. Tools and equipment should facilitate workers to move as easily as possible. Your JHSC/H&S Rep can work to ensure members have the necessary tools and equipment to improve ergonomics and relieve strain.
Education
- Education is critical: RSIs can be difficult to notice at their onset. Know what to look for – like the symptoms listed above – in the early stages of an injury so that you can note it, seek medical care, and inform your employer and your JHSC/H&S Rep. In addition, make sure you follow recommended procedures for physical tasks (e.g. lifting heavy objects) and use any Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) needed for your job. And if you’re not sure – ask. Knowing what to look for early in your career can help prevent injuries caused by a lifetime of incorrect technique.
If you suspect you have an RSI, your first step should be to seek a proper diagnosis from a doctor and get treated appropriately. Attempting to work through an RSI without medical treatment will likely worsen the issue.
After prioritizing your safety and wellbeing, report your injury to your employer and your JHSC/H&S Representative so there is a record of the issue. The purpose of filing a report is not to just keep yourself covered, but to also help foster a safer workplace for everyone. Once filed, your workplace’s JHSC can review the file and use it to make recommendations to the employer regarding health and safety improvements.
If you suspect you are suffering from an RSI due to your work responsibilities, you should file a claim with the WSIB.
For a WSIB claim, you have six months to report your injury from the date of injury or diagnosis. Your employer doesn’t get to tell you not to file a WSIB claim: the WSIB will determine whether your injury qualifies and whether you will receive benefits, but if you do not file and your RSI worsens, you may be out of luck.
If your WSIB claim has been denied, UFCW Locals 175 & 633 has expert Workers’ Compensation Representatives here to assist members. Learn more on our Workers’ Compensation page.
The Facts
Whether you are just starting out or in the final act of your career, we are all vulnerable to repetitive strain injuries.
Between 2024 and 2025, 34% of the leading injuries in Ontario were sprains and strains with an average of 25 workdays lost per claim. Those who suffered most in this category were aged 25-29 years old. Bodily motions (reaching, bending, twisting, recovering balance, etc.) accounted for 25% of all injuries during this period.
The core message of RSI Awareness Day is to make sure workers are armed with knowledge so that nobody goes through this struggle.
As union members and workers, it takes a collective effort to build a strong workplace culture based in health and safety. So, when you see potential hazards, do not be afraid to speak up and report it. Your health and safety should not be sacrificed for a paycheque.
Questions?
Contact your Union Representative or reach out to the Union’s Health & Safety Department at 1-800-565-8329 or membership@ufcw175.com.
For further reading regarding RSI protocols, symptoms, and strategies, refer to our quick reference pamphlet and and poster.
Did you know? You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube!