Worker training and preventative workplace inspections can help prevent Ontario's most common injuries

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common lost time injuries at work in Ontario, representing more than 40% of all lost time injuries and resulting in more than 345,000 days lost in 2015. MSDs affect tissues of the musculoskeletal system such as muscles, joints, bones, tendons, nerves and disks of the spine. The key risks factors for MSDs are force, repetition and posture.
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Diligent employers and managers can save their company thousands of dollars and hours lost by conducting proactive ergonomic inspections as part of new employee orientations and for employees having a history of MSDs. Employers should consult with both worker and management members of the JHSC to develop policies, procedures, training, and inspection protocol. 

Injury prevention strategies by sector

• Healthcare
• Industrial
• Construction
• Office

Questions for all workers to ask prior to making a lift:

• Is this a two person job?
• Do I require a hoist or a lift assist?
• How long do I have to walk holding the object?
• How far do I have to carry this object?

Office Ergonomics

Like all workers, office workers are at risk for musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) because of the repetitive nature of job duties. A few simple steps can reduce the risks of MSDs for any worker who spends time sitting at a desk or using a computer as part of their job.

• Encourage all workers to take frequent breaks: breaks every hour and stretch for a few minutes
• Provide tools and training to enable workers to maintain good posture: sit tall, keep spine and head erect and maintaining the curves of the back, ensure lower back is supported
• Fit jobs to people: adjust work stations to ensure work is at eye level (e.g., adjust monitor height so that the top of the screen is at eye level), offer standing desks or alternative seating such as kneeling chairs or exercise balls
• Encourage workers to stretch hands and wrists often, straightening wrists and limiting twisting while typing.

On-site Ergonomics Training

MidSouthWest provides a comprehensive on-site Ergonomics Training program. Our ergo training program will provide managers, workers and employers with strategies to effectively identify ergonomic hazards to reduce the risk of pulled muscles, fatigue, back strains, stress, etc. We will show you simple techniques that can be applied by every employee in the workforce to avoid these types of injuries, whether they are in an office or much more physical environment.

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Download Our Office Ergonomics Poster

More News

Injury Prevention Strategies for the Healthcare Sector

1. Provide employees with adequate training about client handing (e.g., lifting, re-positioning or transfer of a patient or client)
2. Provide strategies to help workers avoid working in awkward posture
3. Offer annual refresher training for employees and review of policies and procedure
4. Proactively assess clients’ as to their lifting and transfer needs to help ensure workers are not working in awkward postures or becoming injured due to unexpected forces caused by client falls
5. Regular inspection of mechanical lifting devices and their accessories
6. Clear client rooms, halls and community spaces of unnecessary clutter to allow workers to conduct proper client handling

Client Handing in Health Care video created by the Government of Ontario and published on the ONgov YouTube Channel.

Injury Prevention Strategies for the Industrial Sector

1. Provide workers with adequate manual materials handing training (e.g., lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying)
   
2. Set guidelines for transportation of heavy objects, carrying distance and height of objects
   
3. Encourage team lifting of heavy objects
   
4. Avoid unnecessary manual materials handling due to obstructions
   
5. Provide employees with training use and maintenance of work carts, hoists, scissors lifts, pump carts, lift trucks, adjustable tables, cranes, etc.
   
6. Annual updating of policies, procedures, and  refresher training for employees
   

Manual Materials Handing at Industrial Workplaces video created by the Government of Ontario and published on the ONgov YouTube Channel.

Injury Prevention Strategies for the Construction Sector

1. Provide workers with adequate manual materials handing training (e.g., lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying)
2. Emphasize safe material handling and identify areas of particular concern, e.g., access/egress above/below ground level or while climbing ladders
3. Ensure proper storage and movement of materials and equipment by maintaining unobstructed work routes and adequate maintenance of manual materials handing equipment.
4. Train workers on hazard identification and MSD prevention
5. Identify potential visibility hazards with vehicles and mobile equipment
6. Provide fall prevention training and manual materials handling training to prevent injuries due to unsafe use of ladders

Manual Materials Handing on a Construction Project video created by the Government of Ontario and published on the ONgov YouTube Channel.

​Last updated September 14, 2018