St. John’s, NL – Over the past five years, musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs), or soft-tissue injuries, accounted for 69 per cent of WorkplaceNL lost-time injury claims and $109 million in annual claim costs.
Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) are painful disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, spinal discs and related soft tissues. They may be caused or aggravated by work, but they can be prevented.

From September 17-23, WorkplaceNL will host Move Well – Work Well Week, an annual event devoted to raising awareness of MSIs and finding practical solutions for prevention in the workplace.

WorkplaceNL encourages businesses and organizations throughout the province to participate by hosting educational and awareness activities for workers. On-site visits, podcasts, webinars and posters for workplaces are available. Visit www.workplacenl.ca/mwww for more information, ideas and resources.

“Musculoskeletal injuries can impact every aspect of our daily lives, from being in the workplace to enjoying time with friends and family,” said the Honourable Bernard Davis, Minister Responsible for Workplace NL. “It is important to actively focus on mitigating the risk for these preventable injuries. Move Well – Work Well Week provides an excellent opportunity to further educate ourselves on MSIs and prevention, so we can live a healthy and comfortable life.”

“A muscle, tendon, spinal disc or other soft-tissue injury can impact your daily routine, at work, at home and at play,” said Ann Martin, CEO, WorkplaceNL. “Move Well – Work Well Week reminds us that by staying active and proactively using healthy body mechanics we can stay healthy, productive and comfortable.”

Statistics

On average, in Newfoundland and Labrador (2018-2022 statistics), MSIs account for:

  • 69 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
  • $109 million in annual claims costs

Learn more

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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