Engineering Professional


An engineer completing a typing task using a sit stand desk to highlight that engineers are stakeholders in MSD prevention.

Engineers are heavily involved in creating our built environment, including workplaces. Most design decisions impact the human operators in the work system: i.e., workers. Recognizing key risk factors for MSD permits the creation of safer, more productive operations producing higher quality products and services. For more information, please refer to the Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA) and the Internal Responsibility System (IRS).




The Engineering Professional may find the following sections of the Guideline of interest:


  • The Quick Start Guide

    • This summary is written in non-technical language and may be useful in understanding some key aspects of workplaces that are important for the development of MSD and for training purposes.

  • Ergonomists can add value to Six Sigma teams 

    • Engineers play a major role in the design of the built environment, especially workplaces. They have knowledge, experience and information to design and modify workplaces. They use specific tools, but they often use tools common to multiple groups in a workplace. One such method is a general improvement and problem-solving technique called Six Sigma. Companies that use Six Sigma to improve quality, safety and productivity, can also use Six Sigma tools for MSD hazard identification, problem solving, and reduction. Engineers and managers are familiar with using the Six Sigma approach and tools. Adopting these processes and tools for MSD hazards will offer a common language and strategy. This will encourage managers and engineers to relate to MSD and will raise their awareness of MSD hazards.

  • Guideline Processes Based on Management System 

    • Management processes such as Plan, Do, Check, Act (PDCA), Occupational Health and Safety Management Systems (OHSMS) such as CSA Z1000, CSA Z1004, ISO 45001, are receiving more interest in Ontario Health and Safety System. It has recently been argued that for maximum effectiveness and sustainability, MSD prevention should be integrated into an organization’s management system. The Guideline is written using the structure and language of management systems, and the specific resources to prevent MSD within the management system are specifically identified.



                    

 

 

MSD prevention site factsheet

What's New? 

 

We are working to continuously develop the MSD Prevention Guideline. Watch for new content, including more resources and case studies.

 

 

MSD prevention site factsheet

Factsheet 

 

Download the factsheet introducing the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario website.

 

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Case Studies 

 

Read success stories and case studies about preventing MSD. These stories may apply to your workplace and help you make the right decision.

 

 

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FAQ 

 

Frequently asked questions. There are lots of myths about preventing MSD at work. With good information and actions, MSD can be prevented.

 

 

 

WSIB's Health and Safety Excellence Program

 

Why join?

 

Keeping your team safe and healthy at work is good for business. WSIB's Health and Safety Excellence program provides a clear roadmap to improve safety in your workplace, whether you're just getting started or want to improve systems and processes you already have in place.

 

No matter how large or small your business is, the Health and Safety Excellence program can help. Connect with a WSIB-approved provider who can help you address your business’s unique health and safety challenges – and you can earn rebates for the work you do to improve your workplace health and safety. 

 

Check out the Health and Safety Excellence Program website for more information on the program and the benefits.

 

 

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DISCLAIMER: CRE-MSD receives funding through a grant provided by the Ontario Ministry of Labour. The views expressed are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Province.


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