The purpose of the regulatory ergonomics requirements is to eliminate, or if that is not possible, minimize, the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI)
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·
DEFINITION
OF MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY
·
RISK
IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT
·
TRAINING
· CONSULTATION WITH THE JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY COMMITTEE
Musculoskeletal injury or MSI means an injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue including a sprain, strain and inflammation, that may be caused or aggravated by work. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.46)
RISK
IDENTIFICATION AND ASSESSMENT
The employer must undertake a workplace risk assessment to identify and factors that expose workers to MSI. Risk factors include the physical demand of the work, the layout of the workplace, characteristics of the objects handled, environmental conditions, and the work organization.
Once identified, risks to workers of MSI must be eliminated or minimized. Personal protective equipment may only be used as a substitute for engineering or administrative controls if it is used in circumstances in which those controls are not practicable. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.47 – 4.50)
A worker who is exposed to the risk of MSI must be trained in how to identify the risk and the early signs of MSI. A worker must also be trained in specific measures that are required to control MSI. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.51)
The ergonomics measures implemented in the
workplace and their effectiveness must be reviewed annually. Any deficiencies
that are identified must be corrected immediately. (Occupational Health
and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.52)
CONSULTATION WITH THE JOINT HEALTH AND SAFETY
COMMITTEE
Both workers and the JHSC must be consulted when identifying risk factors for MSI. The JHSC must be further consulted during the assessment of the identified risks, consideration of control measures, training of workers and the annual evaluation. (Occupational Health and Safety Regulation 296/97, 4.53)
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