BEYOND THE WRENCH PAGE | 7
ROOT-CAUSE ANALYSIS WORKSHOP
After the risk assessment workshop, the next step was
to investigate what leads to or causes the identified
risk events. Participants gathered again for the root-
cause analysis workshop. This time the group decided
to focus on MSDs since they are associated with both
the second and third risk events on the top ten list.
"MSDs likely account for a significant portion of
incident reports in this sector and there is often an
immediate impact on productivity, which can affect
one's ability to perform tasks. When this happens, it
can create operational disruptions that workers and
employers notice quickly," explained Melissa.
Two days of engaging debate and discussion gave
the group a better understanding of why MSDs are
so prevalent in their workplaces. Twenty-six primary
causal factors were identified through a fishbone diagram exercise. Workshop participants then rated
those primary causal factors on a scale of 1 to 7, with 1 indicating the least important and 7 indicating
the most important. When the rating was complete, cutting corners and using unsafe practices was
confirmed as the top primary causal factor leading to MSDs for vehicle service and repair workers with
consensus from both the worker and management representatives.
This made a lot of sense to Andrew. He has experienced first-hand what it feels like to work under
pressure to get more and more done in a day. "We cut corners and rush all the time, especially during
busy seasons when we are trying to go faster for the customer. Doing these things allows for more jobs
to be completed throughout the day," said Andrew. "I think the employer, supervisor, and employees
need to decide together what is a realistic number of jobs to complete, so that we can do them safely.
Everyone should have a voice."
Inadequate training for supervisors was identified as the second primary root cause and rushing was
third on the list. Inadequate training for workers was in the fourth spot, while prioritizing production over
safety was the fifth primary root cause.
"
"
"I was aware of several hazards initially, but
the workshop really allowed the group to talk
things through and put more emphasis on
some hazards and root causes that we may not
have considered. It opened my eyes to what is
happening in the sector."
—David Zymerman, Shop Lead and Technician,
Mercedes-Benz Kitchener-Waterloo
TOP
10
RISK STATEMENT
Exposure to musculoskeletal
disorder hazards from manually
handling vehicle components,
performing repetitive tasks, and
working in awkward postures—
such as overhead or extended
reach positions—can compromise
worker safety and wellbeing
in vehicle service and repair
operations.
