Move Well – Work Well Week
WorkplaceNL encourages everyone to move well and work well to prevent MSIs.
MSIs are the most common lost-time injury in Newfoundland and Labrador workplaces every year. The good news is that they can be prevented, and we’re here to help with easy-to-access resources.
What are MSIs?
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are painful disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, spinal discs and related soft tissues. They include sprains, strains and inflammation conditions, which are commonly caused by working in awkward or sustained postures, performing repetitive motions or overexertion from lifting and handling activities.
In other words, an MSI is when you get hurt from things like lifting too much, moving the wrong way or doing the same motion over and over. They can happen suddenly or slowly over time.
Is this a big issue?
Yes! Although MSIs may seem small, they are not.
MSIs can change your quality of life, impacting your physical and mental health. MSIs happen far too often; about six workers will sustain an MSI requiring time away from the workplace every day!
MSIs affect the productivity and profitability of organizations across Newfoundland and Labrador. The average cost of an MSI injury to the employer is $82,000 for the life of that claim. The employers’ costs increase further when you add indirect costs such as hiring and training new workers, lost productivity and other administrative expenses.
Some folks are more at risk than others. In fact, most MSI injuries in NL are from just three occupation categories: healthcare workers, custodians and material handlers. These injuries most frequently happen in the back and shoulders, and are caused by lifting or moving things, working in awkward or sustained positions, or doing the same movements over and over.
We encourage your workplace to participate in Move Well-Work Well Week by planning educational and awareness activities for workers. Prevention starts with education. If you have questions, or need help planning your campaign, contact the Prevention Services Department at [email protected] or phone (1.800.563.9000).
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