STAYING IN TOUCH: JACQUELYN ODURO
Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) hazards in workplaces continue to be the number one source of injury in the heavy construction industry.
Causes of musculoskeletal injuries include: repetitious forceful pressure, rotation and exertion of your wrists, elbows, shoulders, hips, knees, ankles, back and neck. Most MSIs are often better defined as sprains, strains, slips, trips, falls, etc. Awkward body positioning and angles when you’re performing a task, and weather or environmental factors (cold or rain), potentially add to these MSI risks.
MSIs are common especially for workers who operate vehicles and equipment, use hand tools, and for those performing general labour work. Good ergonomic practices on your construction sites can help to minimize the incidence of MSIs and their impact on productivity as well as WCB claims costs.
Preventing MSIs needs to be a key part of your COR® safety program. Keys to prevention include:
- Identifying and assessing job-related MSI hazards (i.e. document them in your hazard assessment on a daily basis, bring it up at toolbox/tailgate meetings)
- Putting in place controls to reduce workers’ exposure to MSI hazards
- Advising and training workers about MSI hazards
- Encouraging workers to follow your COR® program procedures through early reporting of MSI symptoms or concerns, and
- Following up to ensure preventive measures are working.
Consider reviewing the following resources available on the WorkSafelywebsite and elsewhere to help address MSI challenges on your worksites:
- Musculoskeletal injury risk
- Manual material handling
- Manual lifting and carrying
Requirements for MSI risk assessment can be found under part eight of the Workplace Safety and Health Act. For questions about MSIs, please contact your safety advisor.
