INDUSTRY DRIVEN, INDUSTRY FOCUSED PAGE | 7
TOP
10
RISK STATEMENT
Exposure to musculoskeletal disorder hazards such as
heavy lifting, repetitive motion, and awkward postures
from manual material handling can have serious
unintended and adverse effects on the safety and
well-being of workers, organizational health, and the
broader community.
ROOT CAUSE
ANALYSIS WORKSHOP
In January 2024, worker and management representatives from the food and beverage wholesale
distribution industry collaborated for a second time. This time the goal was to explore the root causes
behind the top risk—MSD hazards related to manual material handling.
"Involving workers in root cause analysis activities regarding occupational health and safety hazards is not
a widespread practice, which makes this a pioneering initiative within the food and beverage wholesale
distribution industry," says Julia Lok.
At the end of the first day, 35 primary causal factors had been identified in addition to 306 underlying causal
factors. The 13 workshop participants were then asked to rate the level of importance of each primary causal
factor on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 indicating the least importance and 7 indicating the most importance.
Lack of leadership commitment came out as the top factor causing increased exposure to MSD hazards in
the industry. Based on his experience working with firms to improve their ergonomics, Don Patten explains
that he often sees a disconnect with senior management. "When it comes to manual material handling and
MSD prevention, it is a lack of commitment, but also often, a lack of understanding.," says Patten.
"Companies need to commit to providing ergonomic training for manual material handling, but they also
should commit to ongoing supervisory training on MSD risk assessment and hazard recognition. Additionally,
supervisors should observe workers and correct them when needed, so proper lifting techniques become
second nature," he says. "It's about designing workplaces and tasks so employees can use the techniques
they are taught in training. Ergonomics is about fitting the work environment to the worker."
35
Primary
Causal Factors
306
Underlying
Causal Factors
13
Workshop
Participants
