What's new?
We are working to continuously develop the Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Guideline. Watch for new content, including more resources and case studies. We depend on companies and practitioners to share case studies of MSD prevention interventions. Please contact us if you have a case study that would be helpful to share with others to prevent MSD!
Past and upcoming events and resources
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August 14, 2023 |
New Resource: Psychosocial Factors, MSD and Mental Health poster (PDF)
Poster on the psychosocial factors in the workplace and their influence on musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and mental health. Workplace psychosocial factors are cultural, social and psychological factors determined at or by the workplace that impact employees’ responses to work and their work environment, which can result in negative mental health outcomes and increase the risk of MSD.
Learn more about workplace psychosocial factors from the Mental Health Commission of Canada - view the posters and videos.
Psychological health and safety in the workplace standard (CSA Z1003-13) can be purchased through the CSA Group website.
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August 11, 2023 |
Registration is Open for the Annual CRE-MSD Conference! Ergonomics as a Key Component in Business Balancing Business Performance and Worker Wellbeing
October 2, 2023 | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM EDT in Burlington, ON
For more information, please visit the Event Page
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July 26, 2023 |
Upcoming Joint Webinar: Hosted by Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) and CRE-MSD to help Health and Community Care workplaces learn about how to integrate MSD prevention into their health and safety programs.
Participants will: - Review key components of an MSD prevention program to help support compliance and injury prevention.
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June 30, 2023 |
MSD Prevention Campaign in Health and Community Care CRE-MSD and Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) are supporting the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) campaign on MSD Prevention in Health and Community Care, which runs until March 31, 2024.
Healthcare Work Shouldn't Hurt! Occupations within the healthcare sector continue to experience high rates of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) and lost time claims in Ontario.
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June 5, 2023 |
Save the Date: CRE-MSD Annual Conference Ergonomics as a Key Component in Business Balancing Business Performance and Worker Well-Being
October 2, 2023 | 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM EDT
Please join CRE-MSD to kick off Global Ergonomics Month! Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention activities impact overall system performance metrics. This conference will focus on expanding ergonomics programs to include productivity, quality of products and/or services, employee satisfaction and profits in addition to health and safety. Come learn how the integration of ergonomics impacts the balance of these metrics to optimize business performance.
Watch the CRE-MSD Events Page for more details and registration coming soon!
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May 30, 2023 |
New Position Paper: Chronic Pain is a Different Kind of Injury Author: Dr. Daniel Viggiani
Body discomfort and pain are common signs and symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). Pain is processed in the brain, which is distinct from the injuries that people often associate with pain. Understanding how we experience pain and the processes involved in the development of chronic pain can be complex. This CRE-MSD position paper breaks down the processes and key differences between acute and chronic pain.
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April 17, 2023 |
New iPad App: Looking for an easier way to collect pain or discomfort scores? Are you evaluating the impact of an ergonomics intervention? The Electronic Visual Analog Scale (eVAS) iPad App allows researchers and workplaces to digitally track participants’ feedback through visual analog scores using slider channels. The App can be customized for use of your own body maps and images, and results can be easily exported and saved into table format. It can be used as a pain scale tracker or for any other application (i.e., demands, productivity, etc.) that requires user input tracking on a 10 cm visual analog scale.
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April 13, 2023 |
New Resource: Animated video on Manual Materials Handling Solutions to Control MSD Hazards in Manufacturing & Warehousing
Manual materials handling tasks are a major cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in industrial workplaces. In response to this issue, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is conducting a year-long, workplace compliance initiative on material handling in industrial workplaces.
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April 12, 2023 |
Joint Webinar: MLITSD MSD Prevention Campaign in Health and Community Care Hosted by the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD), Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) and CRE-MSD to help organizations prepare by sharing: - Information on MSD and MSD prevention in healthcare
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April 5, 2023 |
Case Study Contest Winners:
Congratulations to the 4 winners of the CASE STUDY CONTEST on Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention/Ergonomics Interventions
Do you have an MSD prevention story that you would like to share? Send us your story in narrative format (less than 500 words) or download the Case Study Template and let us know your experiences with preventing MSD. Please submit your story or case study to info@msdprevention.com.
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March 8, 2023 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: The Space Between Sitting and Standing: Hybrid Seating - Is the Juice Worth the Squeeze? Presenter: Dr. Jack Callaghan
Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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February 22, 2023 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: MSD Prevention and Ultrawide Computer Displays for Office Work
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Office2023 Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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January 26, 2023 |
Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Day: Free Webinar Series OHCOW is pleased to announce that its free annual international event continues into its 24th year to increase awareness and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. Due to overwhelming response, this year’s event will be held virtually only and has been extended from a one-day event to a Weekly Webinar Series for the entire month of February.
Session dates and topics include:
International RSI Awareness Day is February 28, 2023. Learn more by visiting the following pages: - International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day (CCOHS)
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January 24, 2023 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: Hybrid Work Arrangements and Ergonomics: Using Mobile Computing Devices at Multiple Locations
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Office2023 Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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December 5, 2022 |
New Resource: MSD Prevention Program Checklist (PDF)
Getting ready to implement MSD prevention into your organization's Health and Safety program? Preparing for an audit of the program? This checklist can be used in the initial design and review to check program alignment with key areas of the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario.
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November 29, 2022 |
New Resource: Health and Safety Program: How to Include MSD Prevention poster (PDF)
Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards in the workplace must be treated the same as any other workplace hazard. This means MSD hazards need to be identified, assessed and eliminated or controlled. Learn how to integrate the 10 steps for MSD prevention into a Health and Safety program through our new poster resource.
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November 25, 2022 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: Mental and Physical Health of Remote Workers: Recommendations for Post-COVID-19 Office Work
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Office2022 Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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November 17, 2022 |
CRE-MSD Exoskeleton Conference Resources Available: - Slide presentations are available on the Conference Event Page - Recorded videos of the conference introduction and keynote speaker are now available on the CRE-MSD YouTube channel!
Coming soon: Resource paper on key take aways from the conference to assist workplaces in the decision-making process when considering the application of exoskeletons.
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October 18, 2022 |
Free Samples of Printed MSD Prevention Resources!
For Global Ergonomics Month, we are offering free samples of printed MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario resources to organizations, while quantities last! These packages and poster resources were designed to increase awareness of MSD hazards and provide organizations with guidance on integrating MSD prevention into the workplace.
Please fill out the form before the end of the month to submit your request for printed resources.
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October 18, 2022 |
New Resource:
Manual materials handling tasks are a major cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). In response to this issue, the Ontario Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development (MLITSD) is conducting a year-long, workplace compliance initiative on ergonomics in warehousing. |
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October 17, 2022 |
Feedback Survey on CSA Z1004:12 Workplace Ergonomics
The Canadian Standards Association (CSA) Technical Committee (TC) on General Workplace Ergonomics is currently reviewing the CSA Standard, CSA Z1004:12 Workplace Ergonomics; A management and implementation standard. The TC would like to receive feedback from possible or confirmed users of the Standard, to help inform the next steps of reviewing this Standard. We are asking for your feedback in the form of a survey at this link: Survey for CSA Z1004 Workplace Ergonomics. The survey can take from 2 to 15 minutes, depending on your responses, and will close on November 7, 2022. Thank you in advance for your time and input.
For additional information or any concerns related to CSA Z1004, please feel free to contact Andrea Holbeche, Project Manager, Worker and Public Safety, CSA Group (andrea.holbeche@csagroup.org).
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October 14, 2022 |
Association of Canadian Ergonomists (ACE) Annual Conference
ACE is hosting the 2022 Virtual Symposium “Explore the World of Ergonomics” October 17-19 Learn more and register here: ACE 2022 (Virtual)
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October 3, 2022 |
October is Global Ergonomics Month!
CRE-MSD kicked off Global Ergonomics Month with their annual conference on Manual Handling: Where Exoskeletons Fit Within Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Strategies. Thank you to our speakers listed below for sharing their research, experiences, and professional opinions to inform us on the current state and key reflections, which contributed to an enlightening conference.
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September 7, 2022 |
Deadline extended: CASE STUDY CONTEST on Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention/Ergonomics Interventions extended for submissions! Are you completing a project or initiative involving an Ergonomics/Human Factors intervention to prevent MSD in the workplace? Enter the contest for a chance to win $100 VISA gift card! Find out more about the contest and how to enter on the Case Studies and Stories page.
Extended submission deadline: December 23, 2022
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August 9, 2022 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: Exploring the Efficacy of Portable Lift-Assist Devices to Reduce Exposures Compared to a Manual Lift Presenters: Amanda Calford, Dr. Taylor Cleworth, Dr. Andrew Laing & Dr. Steven Fischer
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Lifting2022
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July 28, 2022 |
Save the Date: CRE-MSD Annual Conference on October 3, 2022 Manual Handling: Where Exoskeletons Fit Within Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Strategies October 3, 2022 | 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM EDT Mississauga, ON
Manual handling of materials and patients remains a leading cause of work-related MSD in Ontario. The use of exoskeletons as personal protective equipment is a technology advancement that is being considered across multiple industries. With many designs and brands available, exoskeletons have been marketed as a simple and effective solution to prevent MSD in the workplace. Putting the sales and marketing aside, practitioners and companies need to be aware of their strengths and limitations to determine appropriate applications and where exoskeletons fit within the hierarchy of controls.
This conference will explore the current research evaluating their use along with their potential role in the prevention of MSD. Exoskeletons, whether active or passive, have been claimed to enhance physical performance while providing a practical ergonomic strategy for the prevention of MSD. This conference will profile the scientific evaluations, industrial implementation and discuss the processes involved in deciding to implement exoskeletons, potential benefits, limitations, and impact of their adoption.
Watch the CRE-MSD events page for more details and registration coming soon!
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July 19, 2022 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: Presenter: Dr. Peter Keir
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Lifting2022 Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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July 13, 2022 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: Presenters: Dr. Sadeem M. Qureshi & Dr. W. Patrick Neumann
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Nursing2022 Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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June 22, 2022 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: Presenters: Daphne Ho & Dr. Steven Fischer
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Work2022 Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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June 10, 2022 |
Announcement: We are conducting a User Experience (UX) Evaluation on the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario. Share your experience with the webiste to help guide future development! Whether you are a frequent user or new visitor to the website, we are interested in learning about your interaction and experience with using the website.
We are looking for feedback from volunteers in the following roles:
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May 30, 2022 |
Announcement: CASE STUDY CONTEST on Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention/ Ergonomics Interventions launched today! Contest organized by CRE-MSD in partnership with ACE and CCCPE Find out more about the contest, benefits of participation and how to enter on the Case Studies and Stories page.
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May 25, 2022 |
New Resources:
Do you spend time commuting or working on mobile devices in your vehicle? Find out how to set up your vehicle to control MSD hazards with these new resources in the Resource Library, under the Hazard Control category/filter.
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May 20, 2022 |
New Resources: Standing Workstation Height for Manual Tasks (PDF)
Learn how to control MSD hazards through height adjustability and reduce exposure to MSD risks using job rotation as an administrative control. These new resources can be found in the Resource Library, under the Hazard Control category/filter.
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May 6, 2022 |
The Tool Picker has been updated to include the following risk assessment methods. These Comprehensive Analysis tools require specialized knowledge and experience to use and interpret the outputs and should only be used by ergonomists or others with the specialized knowledge and experience.
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April 26, 2022 |
MLTSD launched the Ergonomics in Warehouse Compliance Initiative on April 1, 2022. As part of this initiative, MLTSD Ergonomists will be conducting inspections in warehouses, as well as workplaces that have a warehousing area.
Have you included musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention and ergonomics into your Health and Safety program? Learn how to develop your Health and Safety program to Prevent MSD using step-by-step guidance and resources.
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April 19, 2022 |
Deadline extended: CRE-MSD Survey on Working from Home and Transitioning Back to the Office is open until May 20! Take the survey to share your experience with remote work during the pandemic and enter for a chance to win 1 of 4 $200 VISA gift cards!
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March 28, 2022 |
New resource released on working remotely using technology (or "telework")! Healthy and Safe Telework: Technical Brief was developed by the World Health Organization and International Labour Organization.
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March 23, 2022 |
CRE-MSD Webinar: Office Work: Input Devices Matter in Preventing MSD Presenter: Dr. Jack Dennerlein
Webinar recording (Webex) - Password: Work2022 Webinar slide presentation (PDF)
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March 10, 2022 |
CRE-MSD survey released on Working from Home during COVID-19 and Transitioning Back to the Office. Find out more and complete the survey for a chance to win 1 of 4 $200 VISA gift cards!
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January 26, 2022 |
Free Webinar Series: OHCOW is hosting a Weekly Webinar Series in February for Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Day. Session dates and topics include:
International RSI Awareness Day is February 28, 2022. Learn more by visiting the following pages: - International Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI) Awareness Day (CCOHS) - Repetitve Strain Injury (RSI) Day (OHCOW)
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March 30, 2021 |
New Resources: Overhead work infographic (PDF) Overhead work animation (VIDEO)
Overhead work is a known musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk, strongly related to the development of shoulder injuries. Find out how to reduce risks with these new resources in the Resource Library, under the Hazard Control category/filter.
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November 24, 2020 |
New Resource: A new Sit-Stand Workstations Poster has been added to the Quick Start Guideline: Office. It's also available in the Resource Library.
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October 26, 2020 |
New Resources: Positioning the Body to Reduce MSD Injury Risk: Focus on the Knee (PDF) Positioning the Body to Reduce MSD Injury Risk: Focus on the Low Back (PDF) Positioning the Body to Reduce MSD Injury Risk: Focus on the Shoulder (PDF)
These three resources were developed to complement the CRE-MSD webinar series Training for Non-Modifiable and Physically Demanding Manual Materials Handling Tasks: Strategies for First Responders and Healthcare Workers. They can be found in the Resource Library, under the Hazard Control category/filter.
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July 3, 2019 |
Registration is now open for CRE-MSD's Fall 2019 conference Using Ontario's New MSD Prevention Guideline to Empower Workplaces: A Year in Review, which will be held on October 1, 2019. CRE-MSD is pleased to offer this as a FREE event. Space is limited, so be sure to register now to save your seat!
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July 2, 2019 |
Deadline extended: The draft Office Quick Start Guide will remain open for public review until July 8, 2019.
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| June 18, 2019 |
The draft Office Quick Start Guide will be open for public review until July 2, 2019. We would greatly appreciate any feedback and/or comments. The documents and feedback form can be accessed through the CRE-MSD website.
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February 28, 2019
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Lecture introducing the new MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario presented by Dr. Amin Yazdani at the 2019 RSI Day+ 20th Anniversary in Sudbury, Ontario.
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February 27, 2019 |
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January 1, 2019 |
Watch our Introduction Video for the new MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario website!
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December 4, 2018 |
Free webinar to learn all about the Basic and Comprehensive Guidelines, designed to improve organizational and problem-solving approaches to MSD prevention in medium and large businesses. Archived recording of webinar (Adobe Connect) Slide summary of webinar (PDF)
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November 6, 2018 |
Free webinar to learn all about the Quick Start Guideline, designed to meet the needs of small and micro businesses toward MSD prevention. Archived recording of webinar (Adobe Connect) Slide summary of webinar (PDF)
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October 31, 2018 |
Free webinar to learn all about the new MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario, including an overview of the Quick Start Guide, Basic Guideline and Comprehensive Guideline. Archived recording of webinar (Adobe Connect) Slide summary of webinar (PDF)
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October 18, 2018 |
Workshop entitled "Development of a new MSD Prevention Guide for Ontario" facilitated by Dr. Amin Yazdani at ACE-CROSH 2018 in Sudbury, Ontario.
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October 1, 2018 |
Beta version of the new MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario goes live at Conference in Toronto as Global Ergonomics Month starts.
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What's New?
We are working to continuously develop the MSD Prevention Guideline. Watch for new content, including more resources and case studies.
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.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions. There are lots of myths about preventing MSD at work. With good information and actions, MSD can be prevented.
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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.
