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Musculoskeletal Disorders Brochure

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MSD RISK FACTORS Force Repetition Awkward Posture Poor Workplace Conditions Pace of Work Poor Work Habits MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS STEP ONE: RAISE AWARENESS (RECOGNITION) WHAT WE NEED TO KNOW What is the injury history in our workplace: does it include MSD injuries? Does the injury history include similar types of injuries, or multiple injuries in a particular work area/job? Are employees experiencing pain or discomfort? Ask employees to complete a Discomfort Survey. WHAT WE SHOULD LOOK FOR Spend time on the floor observing employees executing their job tasks. If possible, managers and supervisors execute the job tasks. When observing employees at work, watch for: – awkward movements/positions – excessive lifting – repetitive tasks – homemade modifications (e.g. standing on a box) – injury/pain behaviour (e.g. rubbing joints) WHAT DO WE MEAN BY MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDER? A musculoskeletal disorder is an injury to a part of the musculoskeletal system, which is made up of muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, spinal discs. These injuries are due to the effects of repetitive, forceful and awkward movements. WHY PREVENT MSD? Costs to the system MSD accounts for 40% of all work-related injuries, Costs to workers pain and suffering disruption to home and work life impact on families, friends and the community Costs to workplaces lost productivity and revenue surcharges and lost rebates Ministry of Labour orders Source: http://www.wsib.on.ca WHAT THE LAW SAYS Ministry orders related to ergonomics are issued under Section 25(2)(h) of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, known as the general duty clause, which requires employers to take all precautions reasonable in the circumstances to protect their workers. In addition, orders are issued under various other regulations; for example, those related to safe handling of materials, and provision of adequate lighting. Source: Recommendations on Strategies to Reduce Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders in Ontario, Supplementary Report to MOL, January 2006 HAZARD SPOTLIGHT

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