INDUSTRY DRIVEN, INDUSTRY FOCUSED PAGE | 11
1. Consolidate trusted resources in an
easy-to-find way and enable networking
opportunities.
2. Develop resources and information for
supervisors and employers on industry-
specific best practices (e.g., tools,
assessment, equipment) and the cost of
MSD hazards when not controlled.
3. Develop industry-specific guidelines/
standards on common equipment,
workplace designs and processes
(e.g., pallet size, cube height, ordering
processes, frozen goods, perishable
goods, etc.)
4. Empower workers and increase worker
participation in decision making and
solution development to enhance
workplace culture.
5. Increase access to incentive/rewards/
recognition on tools, assessment,
processes and equipment to highlight
the importance of MSD prevention for
the industry.
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR ACTION
The following five recommendations were proposed
by the group.
CONCLUSION
The risk assessment and root cause analysis workshops for the food and beverage wholesale distribution
industry highlight a clear path towards reducing occupational health and safety risks and improving worker
health and safety. Solidifying leadership commitment to reduce exposure to MSD hazards related to manual
material handling is the direction the industry will take.
Reducing the risk of MSDs at work—and the chronic pain that often comes with these types of injuries—
will have positive outcomes that go beyond the workplace. When employees are able to fully enjoy their
lives outside of work, without the burden of managing MSD pain, their quality of life improves dramatically.
If not addressed, work-related MSDs may place further strain on community mental health and addiction
resources.
The objective of WSPS and Ontario's prevention system partners is to harness the knowledge gained from
this initiative to help companies cultivate safer workplaces. By drawing on the insights gained from those
who are directly involved with the work, WSPS will develop tools and resources that are tailored to the
specific challenges faced in this industry, leading to better physical and mental health for Ontario workers.
