Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) are one of those hazards that sneak up on a workplace. They don’t always come with a dramatic moment like a slip or a fall — instead, they build slowly, day after day, until pain and fatigue become the new normal. In the world of occupational health and safety, RSIs are among the most common and costly injuries in Canada. The good news is they’re also some of the easiest to prevent if you know where to look and what to change. In this post, we’ll break down what RSIs really are, how to assess ergonomic risk, what controls make the biggest difference, and how Calgary Safety Consultants (https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca) can help you stay compliant and keep your team healthy.
RSIs — or “repetitive strain injuries” — are also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). They develop when muscles, tendons, and nerves are stressed repeatedly or held in awkward positions for long periods. The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) defines them as injuries caused by “repeated or sustained exposure to force, vibration, or awkward posture.” (https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/diseases/rmirsi.html)
In plain terms, RSIs happen when your body does the same thing over and over without enough recovery time. Typing, lifting, reaching, or gripping too tightly — it all adds up. At first, it’s a dull ache or stiffness. Then it becomes pain that interferes with work and daily life. Over time, it can lead to permanent tissue damage if not addressed. (https://psacunion.ca/repetitive-strain-injuries)
In Canada, musculoskeletal injuries are a leading cause of lost-time claims and productivity losses. The Government of Canada notes that these injuries result in “considerable pain and suffering for workers and significant costs for employers.” (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/ergonomics/module1.html)
For employers, that cost comes in several forms:
The solution starts with prevention. And prevention starts with a good ergonomic risk assessment.
An ergonomic risk assessment is a structured way to identify, measure, and control workplace hazards that could cause strain injuries. It looks at the task, the worker, the equipment, and the environment. The process blends observation, measurement, and worker feedback.
This approach aligns with the risk assessment principles outlined by the Government of Canada’s ergonomics modules. (https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/ergonomics/module1.html)
Once risks are identified, apply the hierarchy of controls. Eliminate what you can, engineer what you can’t, and manage the rest through administrative changes and training.
Engineering controls:
Administrative controls:
Training and awareness:
As CCOHS highlights, the key to prevention is designing work to fit the worker, not forcing the worker to fit the work. (https://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/ergonomics/ergo.html)
At Calgary Safety Consultants, we’ve seen firsthand how small ergonomic issues can grow into major problems if left unaddressed. Our goal is to make prevention easy to understand and practical to apply.
Here’s what we can do for you:
Partnering with Calgary Safety Consultants means getting a practical, cost-effective plan to reduce injuries and improve safety culture. Visit https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca to learn more or request an ergonomic assessment.
You don’t need a major redesign to start preventing RSIs. A few smart changes can go a long way.
Preventing RSIs isn’t just about fixing chairs and desks. It’s about embedding ergonomics into how your organization thinks and plans work. Here’s how you can build that culture:
Ergonomic hazards by environment
Different industries face different ergonomic challenges. Here’s a quick look at a few examples we see often:
Office and administrative work:
Construction and trades:
Warehousing and logistics:
Healthcare and service industries:
Each of these scenarios requires slightly different controls, but all start with the same principles: identify, assess, and adapt the work to fit the human body.
Under the Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act and Code, employers are legally required to identify, assess, and control hazards that could cause harm — including ergonomic and musculoskeletal hazards. (https://ohs-pubstore.labour.alberta.ca/l42)
While the Code doesn’t have a single “ergonomics” section, the duty to assess and control these hazards is covered under:
Employers must demonstrate due diligence — meaning reasonable steps have been taken to protect workers. An ergonomic risk assessment is strong evidence of compliance and proactive management.
When ergonomic controls are implemented, companies report:
Ergonomics isn’t an expense — it’s an investment that keeps workers healthy, operations efficient, and your organization in compliance.
RSIs are preventable, but only if you treat them as part of your overall safety management system. Ergonomic risk assessment is the foundation: it gives you the insight to act before injuries happen. Once you identify the hazards, practical controls — many of them low-cost — can eliminate or greatly reduce risk.
Calgary Safety Consultants makes that process simple. We’ve helped hundreds of Alberta companies build effective OH&S programs that include ergonomic hazard assessments, safe work practices, and hands-on training. Whether you’re a small business or a multi-site operation, we’ll help you integrate ergonomics into your safety culture — keeping your team safe, productive, and compliant.
If your workplace could use a fresh set of eyes on its ergonomic risks, connect with us today at https://calgarysafetyconsultants.ca.
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Ergonomic risk assessments identify physical stressors in the workplace, such as poor posture, repetitive motions, or forceful exertions. By observing tasks and evaluating risk factors, businesses can design safer work processes, reduce fatigue, and prevent long-term injury.
Effective controls include adjustable workstations, job rotation, mechanical lifting aids, tool redesign, and scheduled microbreaks. Training workers to recognize early signs of strain is also a critical preventive measure.
Yes. The Alberta Occupational Health and Safety Act and Code require employers to identify, assess, and control all workplace hazards, including ergonomic and musculoskeletal risks. Demonstrating due diligence through ergonomic assessments supports compliance and worker protection.
Calgary Safety Consultants is here to help you ensure compliance, enhance safety, and streamline your OH&S program. Don’t wait—fill out the form, and we’ll connect with you to discuss how we can support your business. Let’s get started!
Calgary Safety Consultants delivers game-changing COR Audits and OH&S consulting designed to keep your business safe, compliant, and accident-free. With 30+ years of expertise in high-risk industries like oil & gas, construction, and manufacturing, we understand the unique challenges you face. We offer tailored safety solutions that not only meet regulatory standards but also reduce operational risks and protect your workforce. From conducting thorough safety audits to implementing comprehensive safety management systems, we ensure your team is fully supported. Our hands-on, collaborative approach means we're with you every step of the way, helping you achieve a safer, more efficient workplace. Let us handle the heavy lifting so your team stays protected, and your business thrives!
