Overview
Key words: Standards, guidelines, MSD prevention
Date: June 18, 2013
Presenters: Richard Wells (University of Waterloo), Brian Lewis (University of California), Jonathan Tyson (WSIB), Ron Meyers
Funder: Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD)
Project type: Workshop
Sector/Workplace type: All
Themes
Theme
4
Interventions
Theme
5
Implementation
Background/rationale
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) represent 45% of all lost time injuries in Ontario, thus it is important to establish sound standards and guidelines to prevent such MSDs.
Goals and process
The main objective of the workshop was to have the attendees complete a comparison of the Z1004-12 Standard and related MSD prevention approaches. Participants of the workshop included representatives from employers, labour, workers, health and safety associations, the Ministry of Labour, private consultants, and the Chief Prevention Office.
Summary
The CSA standard provides structure and a sound framework to address MSD hazards; however, it needs to be more user-friendly. Although all groups agreed that having multiple sets of standards would lead to a lack of consistency, there was little concurrence in specifically adopting the CSA Z1004 for MSD Prevention. Nevertheless, there was interest in possibly using the CSA Z1004 as a foundation.
Implications for the prevention of MSDs
Having a single standard that is user-friendly and provides more tools will help decrease confusion and increase adherence and implementation to help further prevent MSDs.
Knowledge dissemination
For summary, presentations and videos, see the potential role of standards and guidelines in the MSD prevention approach for Ontario event page.