MSD RISK FACTORS
Force Repetition Awkward Posture Poor Workplace Conditions
Pace of Work Poor Work Habits
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
STEP ONE: RAISE AWARENESS (RECOGNITION)
WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW
What is the injury history in our workplace: does it include MSD injuries?
Does the injury history include similar types of injuries, or multiple injuries
in a particular work area/job?
Are employees experiencing pain or discomfort? Ask employees to
complete a Discomfort Survey.
WHAT WE SHOULD LOOK FOR
Spend time on the floor observing employees executing their job tasks.
If possible, managers and supervisors execute the job tasks.
When observing employees at work, watch for:
– awkward movements/positions
– excessive lifting
– repetitive tasks
– homemade modifications
(e.g. standing on a box)
– injury/pain behaviour
(e.g. rubbing joints)
WHAT DO WE MEAN BY MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER?
A musculoskeletal disorder is an injury to a part of the musculoskeletal
system, which is made up of muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, spinal discs.
These injuries are due to the effects of repetitive, forceful and awkward
movements.
WHY PREVENT MSD?
Costs to the system
MSD accounts for 40% of all work-related injuries,
Costs to workers
pain and suffering
disruption to home and work life
impact on families, friends and
the community
Costs to workplaces
lost productivity and revenue
surcharges and lost rebates
Ministry of Labour orders
Source: http://www.wsib.on.ca
WHAT THE LAW SAYS
Ministry orders related to ergonomics are issued under Section 25(2)(h)
of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, known as the general duty
clause, which requires employers to take all precautions reasonable in the
circumstances to protect their workers. In addition, orders are issued under
various other regulations; for example, those related to safe handling of
materials, and provision of adequate lighting.
Source: Recommendations on Strategies to Reduce Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ontario,
Supplementary Report to MOL, January 2006
HAZARD
SPOTLIGHT
