News Release
Communiqué
08-15
For Immediate Release
February 29, 2008
PREVENTING ERGONOMIC INJURIES IN THE WORKPLACE
McGuinty Government Making Workplaces Safer
KITCHENER--New resources are available to workers and employers to help prevent ergonomic-related injuries, which account for 40 per cent of time lost in the workplace from injury.
Ergonomic injuries--also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)--are injuries of the muscles, nerves and tendons that develop over time. These types of injuries are a significant workplace health and safety issue. The effect of these injuries cost the economy more than $19 billion between 1996 and 2006.
The Ministry of Labour has developed with its partners:
- Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Toolbox
The MSD Prevention Toolbox provides information on how to conduct a MSD risk assessment in the workplace, setting up an MSD prevention program and enhancing a workplace’s current MSD prevention practices. The toolbox is the third installment of the MSD Prevention Series, which provides information on addressing these injuries. - Online database to share information on controlling MSD hazards
www.PreventionPractices.com/msd.html is a website that provides links to over 200 MSD prevention resources. It allows the user to browse for specific material based on their type of workplace, an MSD topic or by a specific job.
“The McGuinty government is committed to making workplaces safer,” said Ontario Labour Minister Brad Duguid, speaking at the Radisson Hotel. “We are working with our partners to provide workers and employers with the information they need to prevent injuries, stay safe, and ultimately increase the productivity of our economy.”
“Injury prevention saves employers money, increases productivity and improves worker health and satisfaction,” said Steve Mahoney, chair of the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB).
The Ministry of Labour developed the toolbox in partnership with members of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario, including the WSIB and the Institute for Work and Health. The ministry consulted with labour organizations, employers’ associations and individual employers and workers. The University of Waterloo’s Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders provided additional support.
-30-
For further information:
Media enquiries:
| Susan McConnell Minister's Office 416-326-7710 Mobile 416-606-8303 |
Bruce Skeaff Ministry of Labour 416-326-7405 |
Additional resources
See also:
- Backgrounder: Muskoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Toolbox
- Backgrounder: Workplace Ergonomics-Related Injuries
