Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) account for the most work-related, lost-time claims as reported to the WSIB. They cause pain and suffering for thousands of workers each year and cost Ontario workplaces hundreds of millions of dollars due to absenteeism and lost productivity. According to the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario, MSDs account for:
-
42% of all lost-time claims
-
42% of all lost-time claim costs, and
-
50% of all lost-time days
What are MSDs
MSDs are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They may be caused or aggravated by various hazards or risk factors in the workplace. The musculoskeletal system includes:
-
Muscles, tendons and tendon sheathes
-
Nerves
-
Bursa
-
Blood vessels
-
Joints/spinal discs, and
-
Ligaments
MSDs do not include musculoskeletal injuries or disorders that are the direct result of a fall, struck by or against, caught in or on, vehicle collision, violence, etc.
MSD is also an “umbrella term” for injuries or disorders of the muscles, tendons, nerves. Other terms that mean the same include:
-
Repetitive strain injury (RSI)
-
Cumulative trauma disorder (CTD)
-
Work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD)
-
Musculoskeletal injury (MSI, MSK)
-
Occupational overuse syndrome (OOS), and
-
Sprain and strain
WSPS resources are available to help you identify, and control or eliminate the risk factors in your workplace to protect workers against the threat of MSD injuries. Please refer to the Topics and Hazards page for additional information.
Information Services
Contact the Information Centre for your free package containing MOL court bulletins, journal articles and other relevant resources.
Subscribe to Network News, for workplace health and safety news, prosecutions, alerts and updates.
e-Learning:
Self-Study:
Classroom and on-site Training:
Consulting Services
Ergonomic improvements are often associated with improved productivity, quality and morale and greatly increased returns on investment. Our ergonomic specialists and consultants work with you and your staff to identify the most effective ways to improve employees’ work environments and provide solutions including:
-
ergonomics assessments
-
implementation of MSD prevention and ergonomics programs
-
training for ergonomics change teams
-
job task analyses
-
physical demands analyses
-
safety talks including Back Care, General Ergonomics Awareness, Industrial Ergonomics and Office Ergonomics
Contact WSPS for more information on the above and additional services to meet your needs at 905-614-1400 or 1-800-494-9777.
Regional Conferences & Events
Our health and safety conferences and events throughout Ontario provide excellent opportunities for networking and learning on key topics. Visit Partners in Prevention for more information on our upcoming line-up.