According to the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB), MSDs represent over 40% 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.
Frequently Asked Questions
For answers to the most frequently asked questions about musculoskeletal disorders, visit the MSD FAQs page.
- What are musculoskeletal disorders?
- Why are MSDs a problem?
- What risk factors contribute to MSDs?
- How can MSDs be controlled?
- What are some construction controls?
Training
IHSA continues to develop new services to meet members' ergonomic needs. The following is a list of the latest ergonomic and MSD programs IHSA has to offer.
- Ergonomic Change Team
- Ergonomics for Computer Users Practical Guidelines and Tips
- Ergonomics for Skilled Trades Practical Guidelines and Tips
- Ergonomics for Transportation How to Prevent Strains, Sprains, and Overexertion
- Ergonomics: Implementing into the Workplace
- Ergonomics: Manual Material Handling Workshop
- MSD Prevention Webinar
- MSD Prevention Workshop Office
- MSD Prevention Workshop Trades
Resources
Provincial MSD Resources
MSD Prevention Toolbox
The 3-part Toolbox provides basic and simple-to-use tools and worksheets.
- Part A: Getting Started
French Version - Part B: Beyond the Basics
French Version - Part C: Risk Assessment
French Version
MSD Prevention Guideline
The MSD Prevention Guideline describes a recommended framework for MSD prevention.
Also available in French PDF (671 kb)
MSD Resource Manual
The MSD Resource Manual contains information on implementing the process in the Guideline, understanding and recognizing MSD hazards, risk assessment, and hazard controls.
Also available in French PDF (1.36 MB)
MSD Poster: Prevent Workplace Pains and Strains
The Prevent Workplace Pains and Strains poster can be downloaded and posted at your workplace to encourage workers to prevent pains and strains.
Also available in French.
Federal MSD Resources
- Guide on the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Checklist for the Evaluation of an Ergonomics-Related Hazard Prevention Program
- General Guide for Identifying Ergonomics-Related Hazards
- Guide for Investigating Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Employee Input on Potential Ergonomics-Related Hazards
- Guide to Employee Education on Musculoskeletal Injuries
- Guide to Address Ergonomics-Related Hazards with Computer Work Station
Products
- Back Care Exercises DVD (FD039)
- Back Care for Construction DVD (FD038)
- Before You Start Work Exercises Card (V012)
- Construction Health and Safety Manual (M029)
- Health and Safety Aggregate Sector (IHSA005)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.10 Issue 3 (IHSAV103)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.11 Issue 1 (IHSAV111)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.11 Issue 2 (IHSAV112)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.11 Issue 3 (IHSAV113)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.11 Issue 4 (IHSAV114)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.12 Issue 1 (IHSAV121)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.12 Issue 2 (IHSAV122)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.12 Issue 3 (IHSAV123)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.12 Issue 4 (IHSAV124)
- IHSA Magazine Vol.13 Issue 1 (IHSAV131)
- MSD Risk Factors Safety Meeting Pkg (SMP010)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls - Homebuilding: Concrete Floors and Drains (W303)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls - Homebuilding: Drywall (W302)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls - Homebuilding: Flooring (W305)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls - Homebuilding: Framing (W306)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls - Homebuilding: Plumbing (W308)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls - Homebuilding: Sloped Roofing (W309)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls Homebuilding: General Labourers (W307)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Boilermakers (W313)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Carpenters (W316)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Civil Construction (W317)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Demolition (W319)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: High-rise Forming (W321)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Homebuilding: Carpentry Finishing (W304)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Masonry (W301)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Millwrights (W312)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning (W315)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Rodworkers (W300)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Roofers (W311)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Sheetmetal (W314)
- Musculoskeletal Hazards and Controls: Tile and Terrazzo (W318)
- Office Ergonomics Safety Meeting Pkg (SMP014)
- Product Catalogue (IHSA017)
- Roofers Safety Pamphlet (IHSA010)
- Work SmarterNot Harder Poster: Prevent MSDs in the Masonry Trade (W310)
- Work SmarterNot Harder Poster: Prevent MSDs in the Terrazzo and Tile Trade (W320)
Safety Talks
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Risk factors
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Controls
- Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) Welding
- Back care Basic lifting
- Back care Lifting sheet materials 1
- Back care Lifting sheet materials 2
- Stretching exercises
- Whole-body vibration
- Spring Start-up
Health and Safety Manual
Articles
- Poster: How would an MSD affect your life?
- MOL to focus on MSDs in the new year
- The top hazards
- Musculoskeletal disorders transportation
- Lift smartly and save your back
Research
- Back Care Program
- Back Pain in Construction
- Ergonomic and Hygiene Interventions to Improve Health and Safety of Drywall Finishing Workers
- Getting a Grip: Better Design of Concrete Blocks
- Health Risks for Heavy Equipment Operators
- Musculoskeletal Disorders
- Musculoskeletal Injuries in the Masonry Trade
- Reducing Risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders and Promoting Return-to-Work Through the use of Rebar Tying Machines
- Spreading good ideas: A case study of the adoption of an innovation in the construction sector
MSD Resources
For more information on how you can reduce MSDs at your place of business, click the links below.
Statistics
The reports below contain statistical information about musculoskeletal injuries in Ontario for the years 2009 to 2012. Reports are categorized by construction, electrical and transportation rate groups.
Ergonomics Links
Click here for a list of web-based information on a variety of ergonomic topics, containing research and general information.