New Initiatives

1. New Initiatives Musculoskeletal Disorders MSD

2. Name These Acronyms DVD MSN ULR OTC NYPD HIV TTC SUV VCR OMG GTG LOL OHSA TLV PC USB CBC MSD OSACH

3. Name These Acronyms Computer MSN – Microsoft Network PC – Personal Computer USB – Universal Serial Board Teenager OMG – Oh My God! LOL – Laugh out Loud GTG - Got to Go MSN – Microscoft Network Television Buffs NYPD – New York Police Department CBC – Canadian Broadcast Corporation DVD – Digital Video Disc VCR - Video Cassette Recorder Medical HIV – Human Immunodeficiency Virus OTC – Over the Counter MSD – Musculoskeletal Disorders

4. Points of Discussion • Ministry of Labour • Ergonomics Sub-committee • Pains and Strains Campaign • Occupational Health & Safety Council of Ontario • Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention Strategy

5. MSD Definition Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system where exposure to various risk factors present in the workplace may have either contributed to the disorder's development, or aggravated a pre-existing condition.

6. MSD are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, tendons, tendon sheaths, nerves, bursa, blood vessels, joints and ligaments. • Other terms include – sprains, strains, RSI, CTD, overuse syndrome, etc.

7. Risk Factors MSD have been related to various workplace risk factors, including, but not limited to: • repetitive, forceful or prolonged exertions • frequent or heavy lifting, pushing or pulling, or carrying of objects • fixed or awkward work postures • contact stress • local or whole-body vibration • cold temperatures • work organization (e.g. work-recovery cycles, task variability, and work rate)

8. Scope of the MSD problem • Nearly half of all lost time claims registered with the WSIB are related to MSD. • 41% of all lost-time claims; • 49% of all lost-time-claim-related lost-time days; and, • 41% of all lost-time benefit claim costs. • The percentage of lost-time MSD, compared to all other lost-time claims, has remained relatively stable in each of the past eight years. • Direct costs due to lost-time MSD for the period 1996 to 2003 totalled more than an estimated $3 billion. • The costs of non-lost-time MSD claims have not been included in the above statistics. • Consequently, the magnitude of this problem continues to pose a threat, not only to the health and safety of Ontario workers, but also to the province's economic performance.

9. Type of Lost Time Injury OSACH Sector (Accident Year 2004) Data Source: EIW Injury Analysis by SWA Snapshot Period: November 2005

13. MoL Ergonomics Sub-committee • Stemmed from the Manufacturing Action Group • “Although the Sub-Committee focused on issues in manufacturing and more broadly, the industrial sector, the recommendations of the Sub-Committee are relevant to all sectors.” • Focused on best practices, policies and enforcement • Recommendations focus on education and outreach, research, enforcement and motivators

14. Summary Statement The application of ergonomics in the workplace is key to reducing the incidence of work-related MSD and is needed in all sectors, including industrial establishments, construction, mining, and health care. • MSD requires a multi-faceted approach • Identify risk factors early • Senior management commitment essential • Good business • Integral in design of workplaces, equipment and jobs • Integrated into disability management (return to work) Support the Occupational Health & Safety Council of Ontario’s MSD Prevention strategy

15. FindingsResearch and knowledge transfer • Common definition of MSD • Common classification of injuries • Fund research that is “applied” and “pure”

16. FindingsEducation, outreach and bestpractices • Expand level of awareness and knowledge of MSD • Increase number of trained ergonomists in Ontario • Integrate ergonomics into professional education programs (i.e. engineering, health care practitioners, skilled trades) • Increase knowledge within workplaces • Expansion of guidance information on purchasing, design, work processes • Information available in a variety of formats

17. FindingsEnforcement and Motivators • Motivate good performers • Identify poor ones • Perhaps based on WSIB premiums, penalties, • Increase level of knowledge of MoL inspectors • Incorporate MSD prevention initiatives in targeting strategies • Track MSD related orders in MoL data base

18. FindingsStandards (Regulation) • Supports integration of ergonomic principles into National and International Standards • Inventory and evaluation of existing standards • Ongoing discussion of Regulation – supplementary report mid Jan. 2006

19. Ministry of LabourPains and Strains Campaign Announcement January 26, 2006 • 1996-2004 ergonomic related injuries cost approximately $12 billion • Focus on industry and health care • Immediate steps • increase in raising employer and worker awareness of risk factors related to musculoskeletal injuries • increased enforcement • development of guidelines

20. OHSCOStrategy Components • MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario • Sector specific MSD material • Increase knowledge and awareness of prevention system staff • Increase knowledge and awareness of employers • Integrate into existing programs • Develop a business case • Research • Safe Design • Evaluation

21. Think about MSD in your workplace! • How are you identifying which tasks contain MSD risks (high force, awkward posture, repetition)? • How are you controlling MSD risks? • Are you training staff to recognize MSD symptoms? • Are you encouraging staff to early report MSD symptoms?