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.
For answers to the most frequently asked questions about musculoskeletal disorders, visit the MSD FAQs page.
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.
The 3-part Toolbox provides basic and simple-to-use tools and worksheets.
The MSD Prevention Guideline describes a recommended framework for MSD prevention.
Also available in French PDF (671 kb)
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)
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.
A short daily exercise program to warm up, stretch, and strengthen the muscles that support your lower back. 10 minutes. Colour.
This DVD demonstrates various lifting techniques, proper posture and basic back care. Workers on the job demonstrate back-saving procedures, including the golfer’s lift, overhead lift and two-person lift. 15 minutes. Colour.
This pocket-sized laminated card folds out from 2½” x 3½” to 5” to illustrate warm-up and stretching exercises. Package of 50.
Contains everything you need to recognize and protect yourself against construction health and safety hazards. 350 pages. Revised, Nov 2010.
This four-panel brochure contains helpful health and safety information relevant to the aggregate sector.
This safety meeting package provides a basic overview of ergonomics and the risk factors associated with MSDs.
This profile can help homebuilders working on concrete floors and drains identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help drywallers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help flooring workers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help framers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help plumbers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help roofers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help general labourers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help boilermakers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help carpenters identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This guide can help workers in the civil construction trade identify musculoskeletal hazards in their job and learn how to control them.
This guide can help workers in the demolition trade identify musculoskeletal hazards in their job and learn how to control them.
This guide can help workers in the high-rise forming trade identify musculoskeletal hazards in their job and learn how to control them.
This profile can help workers in the carpentry finishing trade identify MSD hazards in their job and learn how to control them.
This profile can help masonry workers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help millwrights identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help refrigeration and air conditioning workers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help rodworkers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help roofers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This profile can help sheetmetal workers identify MSD hazards in their job and how to control them.
This guide can help workers in the tile and terrazzo trade identify musculoskeletal hazards in their job and learn how to control them.
This safety meeting package covers the basics of ergonomics, how work affects the body and it will help facilitate discussion on this critical topic.
This poster contains tips to help workers in the masonry trade reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
This poster contains tips to help workers in the terrazzo, tile, and natural stone trade reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
For more information on how you can reduce MSDs at your place of business, click the links below.
The reports below contain statistical information about musculoskeletal injuries in Ontario from 2006 to 2009. Reports are categorized by construction rate group.
Click here for a list of web-based information on a variety of ergonomic topics, containing research and general information.
