Overexertion and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) involve strains and sprains of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints or nerves. These usually occur over time due to repeated exposure to certain risk factors. Sprains and strains account for over 30% of all lost-time injuries in Ontario. The main goal of ergonomics is to reduce the risk of these injuries by matching demands of the job to the abilities of the employee through the proper design of workstations, tools, environment, work schedules, policies and procedures.
Ergonomic improvements are often associated with improved productivity, quality and morale, greatly increasing your return on investment in health and safety. WSPS can assist you with implementing an ergonomics program. We also offer ergonomics training, consulting and assessments. Our ergonomic specialists work with you and your staff to identify the most effective ways to improve your employees' work environments and implement ergonomic solutions.
Ergonomic Program Development
This service is provided to help organizations formalize and integrate their ergonomics process to manage MSD hazards and optimize system performance. The program developed will be based on accepted industry practices including the MSD Prevention guideline for Ontario, Federal Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI) Prevention guidelines and Hazard Prevention Program, and/or relevant CSA standards.
Ergonomic Awareness, Coaching and Assessments for Offices
An office ergonomics assessment evaluates the work station design and layout using appropriate assessment tools and ergonomic guidelines for potential hazards associated with musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and, if needed to make recommendations to reduce and/or eliminate these hazards. Recommendations will align with CSA Z412-00 (R2011) Office Ergonomics guideline. Follow up assistance will be provided.
Ergonomics Awareness & Coaching for Offices offers an alternative option for organizations wanting multiple office workstation assessments as a proactive step to prevent MSD related injuries. (employees with existing signs and symptoms are better suited with a detailed office ergonomics assessment, as described above)
MSD Prevention Awareness Session
Awareness sessions are presentations of up to 2 hours in length delivered at your workplace by WSPS consultants. They are designed to help meet your legal duty to provide information about workplace hazards to employees.
Ergonomic Assessments and Physical Demands Descriptions (PDDs) for Industrial
An ergonomics assessment evaluates the demands of the job and can be either a qualitative or quantitative assessment. A quantitative assessment uses appropriate assessment tools (e.g., Snook, Mital, RULA, Strain Index, and University of Michigan 3DSSPP) and ergonomic guidelines to assess the level of risk associated with the MSD hazards identified. A qualitative assessment relies more on judgment to assess risk levels to help prioritize the need for change. In both cases, recommendations are provided to control and/or eliminate MSD hazards.
Physical Demands Descriptions (PDDs), also known as Physical Demands Analysis (PDAs) identify and quantify the physical, cognitive, and environmental demands of the essential and non-essential duties of a job documenting the information in a concise format.
Public Works and Government Services Canada - Office Ergonomic Assessments
WSPS is an Approved Vendor under the NMSO – For Conducting Office Ergonomic Assessments! (WSPS Standing Offer Number: E60ZQ-140001/022/ZQ). Workplace Safety & Prevention Services is delighted to have been awarded a Standing Offer under the National Master Standing Offer for Conducting Office Ergonomic Assessments through Public Works and Government Services Canada in the National Capital Region (NCR) and the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). To initiate an assessment, simply complete this online form and a WSPS representative will contact you within two business days.