Who should be on an inspection team? Health and safety committee members are obvious choices of people to carry out formal inspections, especially if they have received training or certification. Additional training on specific issues of hazard identification and elimination and risk assessment for MSD is typically needed.
Other criteria for selecting members of the inspection team are:
knowledge of regulations and procedures
knowledge of potential hazards
experience with work procedures involved
knowledge of the equipment or production system
Engineers, maintenance personnel, occupational hygienists, health and safety professionals, supervisors or managers may be a part of the inspection team or they may be called upon to help with certain aspects of the inspection, or to help explain equipment or processes. Ergonomists or specifically trained health and safety personnel may be asked to provide input on more complex risk assessment approaches. For MSD, such methods may include for example, the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) equation for manual materials handling.
Large workplaces may have more than one inspection team. The various teams can have separate areas to inspect.
Based upon: http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/prevention/effectiv.html
We are working to continuously develop the MSD Prevention Guideline. Watch for new content, including more resources and case studies.
Download the factsheet introducing the new MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario.
Read success stories and case studies about preventing MSD. These stories may apply to your workplace and help you make the right decision.
There are lots of myths about preventing MSD at work. With good information and actions, MSD can be prevented.
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.