|
|
Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention
A comprehensive strategy for musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention has been established by a
sub-committee of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO). One
component of this strategy is the development of a guideline and supporting materials to help
employers and employees recognize, assess, and control hazards that could lead to painful and
costly MSDs. These materials were developed with representation from the Ministry of
Labour, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, many health and safety associations, and
expert input from Richard Wells, Director, CRE-MSD.
|
|
Driving the prevention strategy are some important statistics: MSDs represent 42% of all
lost-time compensation claims in Ontario. Direct costs due to lost-time MSDs from 1996 to
2004 totalled more than $3 billion. The combined direct and indirect costs are
conservatively estimated to be $12 billion.
|
|
Left unchecked, MSDs threaten both worker health and safety and the province's economic
performance. However, preventing MSDs can help workplaces to reduce costs, boost
productivity, improve product and service quality, and stimulate innovation.
|
|
The documents, comprising a guideline, resource manual and tool kit, offer employers a roadmap
for eliminating or reducing the risk of MSDs.
|
|
Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Toolbox
The Minister of Labour, on behalf of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO), has
produced the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Toolbox. Follow these links to see
subsections 3A,
3B, and
3C of this toolbox.
|
|
Proposed amendments to the Canada Labour Code will include hazards related to poor
workplace ergonomics.
More...
|
|
MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario describes a recommended framework for MSD
prevention:
|
|
Resource Manual or the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario contains information on
implementing the process described in the guideline, understanding and recognizing MSD hazards,
risk assessment, and hazard controls:
|
|
 |
