Toronto, Ontario—October is Global Ergonomics Month and Ontario’s Ministry of Labour will conduct increased enforcement of musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards during two inspection blitzes that are taking place in October. One will target material handling in industrial workplaces. The other will focus on heavy equipment operation at construction sites. Ministry of Labour industrial and construction inspectors will look for MSD hazards.
MSDs are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons, nerves and spinal discs. MSDs are a significant issue for workers and workplaces. They can develop as a result of on-going exposure to such activities as repetitive work, forceful exertions such as lifting, pulling and pushing heavy objects or equipment, and awkward or sustained posture.
MSDs account for about 40 percent of all lost-time injuries, according to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, and they are the number-one cause of injuries in Ontario. MSDs cause pain and suffering for thousands of workers every year and cost Ontario’s workplaces millions of dollars due to absenteeism and lost productivity.
Protecting workers on the job is part of the Ontario health and safety system’s commitment to preventing injuries and illness.
To see a variety of learning events and training that will take place in Ontario during Ergonomics Month, including conferences, trade shows and a webinar, and a list of tools and resources, click here.
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