Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Program Checklist

Is your organization preparing to integrate MSD prevention into the Health and Safety program or 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. For more detailed information on the 10 steps for MSD prevention, please review the Basic Guideline. 

Establish a Foundation

Check if

‘YES’

Check if

‘NO’

Resources
STEP 1: MANAGEMENT COMMITMENT AND LEADERSHIP
  • Does the organization have an Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) policy including commitment to comply with legal requirements?

  • Does the organization have an MSD prevention policy, which recognizes MSD prevention and ergonomics as a component of the health and safety program?

  • Has the organization defined and assigned MSD prevention roles and responsibilities?

  • Has the organization allocated time and resources for the implementation and maintenance of the program?

 

  • Does the organization provide awareness on the benefits of MSD prevention at the supervisor/management level?

Program Elements

Check if

‘YES’

Check if

‘NO’

Resources

PLAN

STEP 2: FACILITATE AND ENCOURAGE WORKERS’ PARTICIPATION
  • Does the program include training on recognizing the signs and symptoms of MSD and the work-related MSD hazards?

  • Does the program involve workers in identifying MSD hazards and encourage early reporting of pain and discomfort?

  • Is worker participation facilitated through all steps of the program and are any barriers to participate removed?

  • Does the program engage and keep the Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC), or Health and Safety Rep. informed on MSD hazards, assessment, and control methods for MSD risks?

  • Are there strategies within the program which support a culture of open communication about workplace hazards and MSD prevention activities?

STEP 3: PLAN HAZARD IDENTIFICATION AND RISK ASSESSMENT
  • Does the program include a process and schedule to inspect all jobs/tasks and document results?

  • Is the inspection team for identifying MSD hazards on jobs/tasks outlined within the program?

  • Are appropriate MSD hazard identification tools and risk assessment methods for the jobs/tasks utilized?

  • Does the program include training the inspection team and JHSC on identifying MSD hazards through observation and engagement with workers who perform the jobs/tasks?

  • Is there a tracking method for types of incidents and injuries to document the jobs/tasks where MSD have been reported?

  • Is there a tracking method for pain/discomfort to document the jobs/tasks where MSD symptoms have been reported?

Program Elements

Check if

‘YES’

Check if

‘NO’

Resources

DO

STEP 4: MSD HAZARD IDENTIFICATION & RISK ASSESSMENT
  • Is there a process to anticipate MSD hazards in initial design, installation, operation, and maintenance of new worksystems?

  • Does the program include methods to collect workers’ concerns/activities/task demands that are contributing to fatigue or discomfort on jobs/tasks?

  • Are MSD hazards identified on all jobs/tasks using MSD hazard identification tools and checklists?

  • Does the program include a method to prioritize job/tasks requiring further analysis through multiple sources, such as MSD hazards, worker feedback and MSD incidents/injuries?

  • Does the program includeroot cause analysis of MSD hazards on prioritized jobs/tasks?

  • Does theprogram outline a process forin-depth risk assessment when required?

STEP 5: TARGETS& GOALS FOR CHOOSING CONTROLS
  • Is a collaborative teamapproach used to brainstorm ideasand options to control MSD hazards?

  • Are controls selected using thehierarchy of controls model to determine the highest impact controls?

  • Does the program includea selection process, action plan and timeline for implementation of controls?

STEP 6: CONTROL HAZARDS
  • Does the program facilitate collaboration with all parties to implement andtrial controls as well as inform workersaffected by the changes?

STEP 7: EDUCATION AND TRAINING
  • Does the program includeongoing training on awareness of MSD hazards and how to identify, report and control them?

  • Does the program includespecific training for workers on how to use MSD controls and use of safe work practices?

CHECKSTEP 8: EVALUATE CONTROLS
  • Is there a process to evaluate controls and follow up with workers to confirm thereduction in exposure to MSD hazards?

  • Does the program includeinspections to ensurethat no new hazards/concerns result from the MSD hazard controls?

ACT

STEP 9: DOCUMENT LESSONS LEARNED
  • Does the program include a process to review worker participation and document feedback from all parties on improvement to working conditions?

  • Are reports created to communicate results from activities and identify gaps, barriers, and areas for improvement?

STEP 10: REVIEW PROCESSES
  • Is the program evaluated/audited to establish MSDprevention targets, goals, and training needs on an annual basis?

  • Are meetings planned to discussareas for improvement with all parties and update the policy and program as required?