Ministry of Labour to Focus on MSDs in February
January 16, 2012
In February, the Ministry of Labour will conduct a month-long inspection blitz on Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the workplace. The blitz will concentrate on manual material handling in the health care sectors.
MSDs are injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and/or spinal discs. They are caused by common daily workplace job tasks such as forceful exertion, prolonged sitting or standing postures, hand and body vibration, and repetitive tasks. MSDs often take time to develop and can lead to back pain, shoulder problems, carpal tunnel syndrome and many more preventable problems. These injuries, if not prevented, can result in employees requiring time off from work and/or workplace accommodations. .
These injuries can be prevented in your workplace by assessing the risk for MSDs and implementing the necessary controls. They can include the following:
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Lowering the physical demands of the job tasks – this can be assessed through a Physical Demands Analysis of the job itself.
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Use of material-handling equipment such as carts, dollies, pallet jacks, or manual forklifts when possible.
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Use of safe patient handling techniques and equipment
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Avoid lifting a load from the floor by storing objects above standing knuckle height and below standing shoulder height.
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Raising the height of the work area too avoid kneeling and bending.
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Minimize work above the shoulder. Muscles in your shoulders and arms fatigue more quickly than those in your back and legs.
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Reduce the load that you are carrying - make more trips with lighter loads. Moving smaller weights more frequently puts less stress on your back than moving larger weights.
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Promote employee health and wellness such as fitness programs.
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Develop and implement a MSD Prevention Program that focuses on a participatory ergonomic approach. Safety is everyone’s responsibility and this particular approach reinforces and promotes the internal responsibility system of your organization such as PSHSA’s EPIC Program (Employees Participating in Change).
To support healthcare sector clients during the MOL Blitz on MSDs in Feb 2012, PSHSA is hosting three webinars in January and February:
We also have a team of Health and Safety Consultants along with qualified Ergonomists located across the province that are able to assist clients with more specific issues such as workplace assessments, workplace design or specific MSD related program implementation and training. Contact your
regional consultant to learn more about these and other specialized services.