Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day – February 28
Toronto – February 24, 2026 – Every year, on the last day of February — the only “non-repetitive” day on the calendar — workers and unions around the world mark International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day. UFCW Canada is raising awareness about one of the most common and preventable workplace injuries affecting workers across the country.
Repetitive strain injuries are among the leading causes of lost-time injury claims in Canada, impacting an estimated one in ten workers. These injuries — also known as musculoskeletal disorders — affect tendons, muscles, nerves, and joints in the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck, and lower back. For many workers, the pain develops gradually and can worsen over time if left untreated.
RSIs do not discriminate by industry. UFCW members working in grocery stores, food processing plants, warehouses, health care, and agriculture all face risk factors linked to repetitive tasks. Everyday movements such as gripping, lifting, scanning, cutting, typing, pushing, or reaching become hazardous when performed continuously, at a fast pace, without sufficient rest or recovery time. Awkward postures, excessive force, poorly designed workstations, and workplace stress can further increase the risk.
Beyond the physical toll, RSIs can also carry a heavy emotional and financial burden for workers and their families. Chronic pain, reduced mobility, and time away from work can lead to stress and uncertainty — impacts that extend well beyond the job site.
The good news is that many RSIs are preventable. Employers must address hazards at their source through better job design, task rotation, and ergonomic improvements. Workstations and tools should be properly fitted and maintained to reduce strain and awkward positioning. Education and training are equally critical so workers can recognize early warning signs and take action before injuries become severe.
On International RSI Awareness Day, UFCW Canada calls on governments to strengthen and enforce ergonomic protections in workplaces across the country. Preventing repetitive strain injuries protects workers’ health, strengthens families, and builds safer, more sustainable workplaces for everyone.
