Effective Risk Assessment (and the choice and implementation of controls) is based upon a good understanding of the work processes. This is used to set up procedures for determining what to monitor, who to monitor, when to monitor and what data to collect that is appropriate for the methods chosen
When performing screening for MSD hazards, a preliminary risk assessment or a more comprehensive risk assessment, the Risk Assessment Team should talk first to workers, supervisors, managers and technical employees. This gives a necessary understanding of the work process and tasks.
Observing work tasks should be guided by: who, what, when, where and how.
Plan | Factors to Consider |
Who? | Who to observe? The focus should be on hazards created by the work processes rather than on individual behaviours. Observe multiple people where possible. Perhaps observe tall and short persons at a minimum. An individual focus is relevant for incident investigation or Return to Work |
What? | What task or tasks to observe? Two main options:
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When? | If tasks vary by day, week, product or service, a step of listing all tasks then performing a screening step to identify tasks/products/processes that may be most problematic is necessary. Observation or video recordings and risk assessment of only these selected tasks could then be performed, perhaps requiring multiple viewings. |
Where? | This may be dictated largely by the “when”, but some situations have particular challenges. For example, during toileting in a health care environment. |
How? | “How” is mainly driven by the input requirements of the risk assessment methods chosen.
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We are working to continuously develop the MSD Prevention Guideline. Watch for new content, including more resources and 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.
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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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.