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According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) MSDs represent over 40 per cent of all lost-time compensation claims in Ontario. The combined direct and indirect costs are conservatively estimated to be $19 billion from 1996-2006.
Left unaddressed, MSDs threaten both worker health and safety and the province's economic performance. Preventing MSDs can help workplaces to reduce costs, boost productivity, improve product and service quality and stimulate innovation. The Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Guideline for Ontario, Resource Manual for the MSD Prevention Guideline and the MSD Prevention Toolbox are now available to help every workplace in Ontario recognize, assess and control hazards that could lead to painful and costly MSDs.
The guideline, resource manual and toolbox were developed in partnership with the members of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO), which is composed of the Ministry of Labour (MOL), the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) and the Health and Safety Associations (HSAs). The Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) also assisted in its development. |
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For answers to the most frequently asked questions about musculoskeletal disorders, visit the FAQs page.
1. What are musculoskeletal disorders?
2. Why are MSDs a problem?
3. What risk factors contribute to MSDs?
4. How can MSDs be controlled?
5. What are some construction controls? |
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| MSD Poster: Prevent Workplace Pains and Strains |
The Prevent Workplace Pains and Strains poster can be downloaded and posted at your workplace to encourage workers to prevent pains and strains.
Also available in French. Prévenez les douleurs et les blessures au travail |
| MSD Prevention Toolbox |
 The 3-part MSD Prevention Toolbox provides basic and simple-to-use tools and worksheets to help with your MSD prevention program.
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| MSD Prevention Guideline |
The MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario describes a recommended framework for MSD prevention.
Also available in French. Lignes directrices de prévention des TMS |
| MSD Resource Manual |
The Resource Manual for 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.
Also available in French. Manuel de ressources |
| Products |
Work Smarter—Not Harder Poster: Prevent MSDs in the Terrazzo and Tile Trade (W320)
The Work Smarter—Not Harder poster contains tips to help workers in the terrazzo, tile, and natural stone trade reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). |
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Work Smarter—Not Harder Poster: Prevent MSDs in the Masonry Trade (W310)
The Work Smarter—Not Harder poster contains tips to help workers in the masonry trade reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). |
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Construction Health and Safety Manuals
Visit the Manuals web page and download the Back Care chapter from the Construction Health and Safety Manual (M029) or the Back Care and Materials Handling chapter from the Multi-Trades Health & Safety Manual (M033). |
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Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls
These MSDs hazards and controls profiles can help workers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them. We recommend that you add the best practices outlined here into your company's health and safety program.
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| Safety Talks |
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| Articles |
- Ministry of Labour MSD blitz continues (Health & Safety News, September 2010)
- What the MOL is looking for: MSD blitz explained (Health & Safety News, September 2010)
- Get ready for the MSD blitz—Seminar (Health & Safety News, September 2010)
- Musculoskeletal hazards are a risk like any other (Health & Safety News, August 2010)
- Ministry of Labour to target MSD hazards in autumn blitz (Health & Safety News, August 2010)
- Daniels tackles musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) (Health & Safety News, August 2010)
- Ergonomic Innovations (Construction Safety, Winter 2009/10)
- Moving Material Manually (Construction Safety, Autumn 2009)
- Preventing MSDs in Construction (Construction Safety, Summer 2008)
- The top 3 lost-time injuries – (Construction Safety, Spring 2008)
- Welding: ergonomic solutions (Construction Safety, Autumn 2007)
- New MSD Resources, Principles of Ergonomics (Construction Safety, Spring 2007)
- Drywall sanding: Dust exposure and ergonomics (Construction Safety, Winter 2004/05)
- Rebar-tying Machines – Part 1 (Construction Safety, Winter 2001/02)
- Rebar-tying Machines – Part 2 (Construction Safety, Spring 2003)
- Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Masonry Trade (Construction Safety, Autumn 1999)
- Manual Materials Handling (Construction Safety, Spring 1998)
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| Research |
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| Back Care Video |
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 This video describes the principles of effective back care and demonstrates correct lifting and carrying techniques.
Sections include: Posture, Lifting, Housekeeping, Heavy Equipment, At Home, Anatomy, and Exercises. Test your knowledge by completing the online quiz at the end. |
| MOL's Musculoskeletal Disorders Initiatives |
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Anne Duffy, the Ministry of Labour's Provincial ergonomist, recently gave a presentation on the MOL's Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Initiatives to the Provincial Labour-Management Health and Safety Committee. The PowerPoint presentation is available for download in PDF form. |
| Statistics |
| The reports below contain statistical information about musculoskeletal injuries in Ontario from 2006 to 2009. Reports are categorized by construction rate group.
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| More Information |
| If you have any questions about ergonomics or implementing an MSD prevention process in your workplace, contact our ergonomist. |
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Email: Peter Vi, Hon. B.Sc.
Telephone: 905-625-0100 x.8503 |
| Website |
OHSCO has supported the launch of a website that houses a large collection of MSD prevention resources and training programs. This site allows workplaces to access a "one-stop-shop" to MSD prevention resources relevant to their workplace. This site was developed in conjunction with the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS).
www.PreventionPractices.com/msd.html |
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