February 29, 2008 will mark the next annual International Repetitive strain injury (RSI) Awareness Day — a day set aside each year to provide a focus for creating awareness and action on this issue. International RSI Awareness Day falls on the last day of February every year (because that is the only non-repeating date in the calendar - in non-leap years, it is observed on February 28th).

RSI, also known as work-related musculoskeletal disorder (MSD), is the umbrella terms used to describe a number of overuse injuries affecting the soft tissues (muscles, tendons, and nerves) of the neck, upper and lower back, chest, shoulders, arms and hands. Back pain, tendonitis, tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome are some common examples. These disorders can be caused by work activities that are frequent and repetitive, activities with awkward postures or requiring frequent bending or twisting, or tasks involving carrying, lifting, pushing or pulling heavy or awkward loads. They are a serious occupational health concern across the world and are recognized as a leading cause of significant human suffering, loss of productivity and an economic burden on society.

On this day, workers, health and safety professionals, health care practitioners and others worldwide take the opportunity to help raise awareness about RSIs and the need for action aimed at prevention, rehabilitation and fair compensation. Campaigns, exhibitions, seminars and conferences are conducted to highlight the work hazards that cause strain injuries, to promote workplace activities on strain prevention and to press for preventive action by employers and governments.

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