BEYOND THE WRENCH PAGE | 3
Taking action towards change
Representatives from Parkway Motors, Niagara
Battery and Tire, Heffner Lexus Toyota, Mercedes-
Benz Kitchener-Waterloo, Eccles Auto Service,
Hanford's Tire and Service, McGregor Auto Parts, and
Finch Auto Group participated in risk assessment and
root-cause analysis workshops. Facilitated by WSPS,
these workshops provided a forum to exchange ideas,
knowledge, and opinions based on the experiences of
each participant.
"During the workshops, worker and management
representatives engaged in conversation not only
about the severity of potential injury or illness, but
also about how quickly a particular injury or illness
develops. They discussed short-term or immediate
outcomes as well as long-term or delayed outcomes,"
explained Melissa, who facilitated the workshops.
After three days of discussion, participants agreed that
although MSDs were not ranked as the top risk, they
represented the most significant day to day challenge
for their operations. "The participants acknowledged
that regardless of company size or area of focus,
MSDs impacted everyone in the room," said Melissa.
"This is consistent with injury claim statistics from the
Workplace Safety and Insurance Board."
Exposure to MSD hazards over time leads to
permanent disabling conditions. Although they do not
often lead to life-ending, traumatic fatalities, those
who suffer from chronic pain understand how much it
limits their ability to not only perform their jobs, but
also their ability to enjoy life outside of work.
According to Nathan Birtch, MSDs are associated with
psychological hazards as well as physical pain and
discomfort. Nathan is a Health and Safety Consultant
at WSPS who specializes in ergonomics. "Workers
who are feeling discomfort or pain at work on an
ongoing basis, generally are not feeling satisfied or
valued. They are often experiencing mental harm as
well as physical harm," he said.
"Most younger workers likely think MSDs are just a
part of working because it is a physically demanding
job," said Andrew St. Peter. Andrew participated in the
workshops as the worker representative from Niagara
Battery and Tire. "We need to change this mindset."
"
"
"I understand that MSDs
will always be the biggest
hazard for workers since
it is something that can
occur suddenly OR over
time. Roughly 80-85% of my
technicians have indicated
that they have experienced
symptoms."
—Lori Wainwright, Operations
& OHS, Niagara Battery & Tire
Limited
"
"
"Hearing everyone's input
was eye-opening. The
differences are striking
between the new, younger
workers and the tenured,
seasoned workers. It makes
us realize that sometimes
we have blinders on, so it
is important to widen our
lens. It was enlightening
to see the demographics
represented in the
workshops."
—Danna DeJong, Vice-President,
Community and Employee
Relations, Finch Auto Group
