- Issued: January 2012
- Content last reviewed: January 2012
- PDF Version
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Disclaimer: This resource has been prepared to help the workplace parties understand some of their obligations under the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and regulations. It is not legal advice. It is not intended to replace the OHSA or the regulations. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE SEE FULL DISCLAIMER
Manual materials handling is a common task for workers in many workplaces. Manual handling can expose workers to hazards resulting in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs).
MSDs are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system. They may be caused or aggravated by various hazards or risk factors in the workplace such as force, fixed or awkward postures, and repetition.
MSDs are the most common workplace injury resulting in over 40 percent of all Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) lost-time injuries in Ontario. Employers are required to protect workers by putting in place controls to prevent hazards.
Preventing MSDs needs to be a key part of every workplace health and safety program. In safe and healthy workplaces, employers:
- Identify and assess job-related MSD hazards;
- Put in place controls to reduce workers’ exposure to MSD hazards;
- Advise and train workers about MSD hazards in their job and workplace;
- Encourage workers to participate in their workplace’s health and safety program through early reporting of MSD symptoms or concerns to their employer/supervisor; and
- Follow up to ensure preventative measures are working.
Ministry of Labour inspectors take enforcement action, as appropriate, if they find violations of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and its regulations.
Priority areas
Inspectors check for MSD-related hazards, including:
- Unsafe lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying of materials;
- Obstructions along routes of access and egress and at work locations;
- Poor housekeeping and improper storage of materials;
- Unsafe use of ladders and lack of adequate worker training;
- Poor maintenance of vehicles, machinery, and equipment that could result in increased physical demands, and
- Inappropriate use of equipment (such as boxes being used as platforms) by workers positioning themselves for overhead work.
See the Infrastructure Health and Safety Association for examples of MSD Hazards and Controls profiles in the Construction industry.
More information
Ontario Ministry of Labour, Pains and Strains resources
Occupational Health and Safety Act
Ontario’s Health and Safety Associations
Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) ergonomics page
Call toll-free
Call 1-877-202-0008 any time to report critical injuries, fatalities or work refusals. Call 8:30 a.m.-5:00 p.m., Monday-Friday, for general inquiries about workplace health and safety. Always call 911 in an emergency.
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