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.

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.

• Part A: Getting Started
• Part B: Beyond the Basics
• Part C: In-depth Risk Assessment

• Partie A: Le point de depart
• Partie B: Au-delà de l'essentiel
• Partie C: les méthodes d'évaluation approfondies des risques

The MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario describes a recommended framework for MSD prevention.

Also available in French. Lignes directrices de prévention des TMS

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

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?

• Back Care Program
• Back Pain in Construction
• Ergonomic and Hygiene Interventions to Improve Health and Safety of Drywall Finishing Workers
• Evaluation of Masonry Trowel Sizes
• Getting a Grip: Better Design of Concrete Blocks
• Health Risks for Heavy Equipment Operators
• Musculoskeletal Disorders
• Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Masonry Trade
• Rebar-tying Machines
• Reducing Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Promoting Return-to-Work Through the use of Rebar Tying Machines
• Back Care and Manual Materials Handling in Construction (M017)
• Back Care Video
• Hand Protection
• Manual Materials Handling
• Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Rodworkers
• Rebar-tying Machines – Part 2
• Safety Talks Manual (V005)
• Whole Body Vibration

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