WorkplaceNL encourages workplaces to celebrate Move Well – Work Well Week from September 22-28, 2024
St. John’s, NL – Over the past five years, musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) accounted for 70 per cent of WorkplaceNL injury claims involving lost time from work. This impactful statistic underscores the importance of education and prevention when it comes to MSIs.
MSIs – also known as soft-tissue injuries – are painful disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, spinal discs and related soft tissues. MSIs include sprains, strains and inflammation conditions, which are commonly caused by routinely working in awkward or sustained postures, performing repetitive motions or overexerting tissues from manual lifting and handling activities.
On average, MSIs in Newfoundland and Labrador account for:
- 70 per cent of all claims involving lost time from work
- 71 per cent of all costs related to lost-time claims
- 75 per cent of all lost-time weeks from work
- $115 million in annual claims costs[1]
From September 22-28, WorkplaceNL is hosting Move Well – Work Well Week, an annual event devoted to raising awareness of and finding practical solutions for MSI prevention in the workplace. WorkplaceNL encourages businesses and organizations throughout the province to participate by hosting educational and awareness activities for workers. Free online learning, podcasts, webinars, hazard tools, posters and on-site visits for workplaces are available. Visit www.workplacenl.ca/mwww for information, ideas and resources.
“It is always vitally important for workplaces across Newfoundland and Labrador to pay close attention to potential workplace hazards,” said the Honourable Lisa Dempster, Minister Responsible for Workplace NL. “In each of our work environments, we should always be aware of ways to reduce unnecessary strain on our bodies to prevent injuries while on the job. I encourage everyone to raise this awareness every day, but especially during Move Well – Work Well Week.”
“MSIs can be prevented,” said Ann Martin, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “We know that prevention starts with education, so Move Well – Work Well Week is an excellent opportunity to identify hazards in the workplace and at home, and take action to prevent musculoskeletal injuries.”
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Learn more:
- Visit www.workplacenl.ca/mwww to access Move Well – Work Well resources.
- If you have questions, or need help planning your campaign, contact the Prevention Services Department at safety@workplacenl.ca or phone 1.800.563.9000.
- Follow WorkplaceNL on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.
About WorkplaceNL:
Serving approximately 215,000 workers and 17,500 employers, WorkplaceNL administers an employer-funded, no-fault workers’ compensation system that promotes safe and healthy workplaces, provides return-to-work programs and offers compensation to injured workers and their dependents.
Media contact:
Carla Riggs, Director of Communications
709.778.1590 or carla.riggs@workplacenl.ca
[1] 2019-2023 statistics