MOL conducting blitz on musculoskeletal disorders

MOL blitz on musculoskeletal disorders

This month, the Ministry of Labour is conducting an inspection blitz on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).

This blitz will concentrate on manual material handling. Inspectors will be on the lookout for MSD hazards regardless of industry sector. The ministry says that MSDs are a primary source of injuries in every sector where manual material handling and repetitive movement occur.

"By taking steps to prevent MSDs, you can better protect your workers from painful and often debilitating injuries," says a ministry spokesperson. Injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs result from forceful exertion, awkward body positions, hand-arm and whole-body vibration, contact stress, and repetitive tasks. MSDs often take time to develop and can lead to chronic back pain, shoulder problems, carpal tunnel syndrome, etc.

In Ontario, 2009 claims statistics show that MSDs accounted for 44 per cent of all lost-time claims and 41 per cent of all lost-time claim costs. This translates into 913,000 days lost and 28,000 Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) claims worth $112 million. MSDs in agriculture

"MOL inspectors don't wait for excuses, or even reasons for non-compliance, before issuing a ticket or work order," says the ministry. MOL prevention strategies include:
• Familiarize yourself with MSD hazards in your workplace
• Perform your own workplace audit • Have a well-documented MSD program visibly in place, and implement specific strategies, tools and training
• Call Workplace Safety and Prevention Services to review your MSD program before an inspector comes knocking Implementing MSD controls

Reducing the risk of MSDs in the workplace involves recognizing, assessing and controlling the hazards. These controls should be specific to the type of work performed.

A few suggestions by the MOL include, while in the design phase of a new process or task, apply ergonomic principles that reduce repetitive movements, forceful movements, and fixed or awkward positioning; provide material handling equipment, such as carts, dollies, pallet jacks or forklifts, and ensure workers receive appropriate training and train workers on proper lifting techniques. Safer handling alternatives should be instituted.

For example:
• Avoid lifting loads from ground level by storing objects above standing knuckle height and below standing shoulder height, or using lifting devices.
• Avoid working at ground level, which usually requires kneeling and bending your back forward. Where possible, use a workbench to raise the work height.
• Minimize work above the shoulders, or alternate with other tasks. Shoulder and arm muscles tire more quickly than those in the back and legs. • Encourage more trips with lighter loads. Moving smaller weights more frequently puts less stress on the back than moving larger weights.

The Infrastructure Health and Safety Association is hosting half-day seminars in Mississauga on Feb. 21 and London on Feb. 27 to help people reduce MSDs and prepare for the upcoming MOL blitz. To learn more about the seminars, or to register, go to http://bit.ly/ysY6gk.