Legislation,  Regulations and Guidelines: Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention


FEDERAL
Canada Labour Code 19 includes regulations outlining a hazard prevention program for employers that fall under federal jurisdiction: 
http://gazette.gc.ca/archives/p2/2005/2005-12-14/html/sor-dors401-eng.html

Ergonomics Introduced into Canada Labour Code Part II
http://www.gazette.gc.ca/archives/p2/2007/2007-12-12/html/sor-dors271-eng.html

Ergonomic resources:



PROVINCIAL

Association of Canadian Ergonomists: Provincial and Territorial ergonomics related regulations (updated March 2011)
www.ace-ergocanada.ca/About Ergonomics/Fact Sheets

ALBERTA
Regulations say that if a worker reports to the employer what the
worker believes to be work related symptoms of a musculoskeletal injury, the
employer must promptly a) review the activities of that worker, and other workers
doing similar tasks, to identify work-related causes of the symptoms, if any, and
b) take corrective measures to avoid further injuries if the causes of the
symptoms are work related.
(OHS Code, Part 14, Sec. 211)

BRITISH COLUMBIA
Regulations define MSI and require employers to: 1.
Identify risk factors, including those spelled out in the regulations. 2. Assess
identified risk factors. 3. Eliminate or minimize the risk of MSIs to workers. 4.
Educate and train workers on identifying MSI risk factors, and the early signs and
symptoms of MSIs. 5. Evaluate the effectiveness of the measures taken to
comply with the ergonomics requirements. 6. Consult with the JHSC or the H &
R representative on risk identifications, assessment and control; worker
education and training; and evaluation of measures taken. 7. When performing
risk assessment, must also consult with workers with signs or symptoms of MSIs
and a random sample of the workers who are required to perform the work being
assessed.
(OHS Regs., Secs. 4.46 to 4.53)

MANITOBA
Regulations define MSI and require employers to: 1. Conduct a risk assessment
of all work activities that create a risk of MSIs. 2. Implement control measures
taken to eliminate or reduce the risks of MSIs. 3. Monitor the effectiveness of
any control measures taken to eliminate or reduce the risk of MSIs and
implement further control measures if the risk hasn’t been eliminated or reduced.
4. Inform workers exposed to the risk of MSIs of that risk and the signs and
common symptoms of MSIs associated with the work performed. 5. www.safemanitoba.ca for instructions and training for workers on the control measures implemented to reduce or eliminate the risk of MSIs.

NEW BRUNSWICK
No regulations. Guidelines: 1. Explain what MSIs are. 2. List some of the
common risk factors tat can cause MSIs. 3. List signs and symptoms of MSIs.
4. Suggest that employers contact ergonomics consultants to assist in identifying
risk factors in the workplace. 5. Say that the Workplace Health, Safety and
Compensation Commission will work with employers and workers to educate
about MSIs, evaluate root causes of MSIs, and find solutions for a particular job
or work area.
(NB WHSCC pamphlet, “Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Injuries (MSI)”.
http://www.whscc.n.ca/docs/ergomus_e.pdf)

NEWFOUNDLAND/ LABRADOR
No regulations. Guidelines recommend that employers establish an ergonomics
program that has three elements: 1. Recognition of risks in the workplace that
are likely to cause soft tissue injury. 2. Detailed evaluation of the risks. 3.
Establishment of control measures to eliminate or reduce the risks.
(NL DOL safety guidelines, “Guidelines for the Prevention of Soft Tissue
Injuries”)
http://www.gs.gov.nl.ca/ohs/pdf/soft-tissue-injury-prevention.pdf

NORTHWEST TERRITORIES/ NUNAVUT
No regulations or guideline addressing MSIs in the workplace.

NOVA SCOTIA
No regulations. Guidelines discuss: 1. Triggers that could indicate that a
workplace needs ergonomics help. 2. How to find an ergonomics consultant
who’s qualified and experienced. 3. How working with an Ergonomist can help.
4. The costs of addressing ergonomics in the workplace. 5. The laws regulating
ergonomics in the workplace.
(Nova Scotia Environment and Labour, OHS Division, Ergonomic FAQs) 
http://www.gov.ns.ca/enla/healthandsafety/ergonomics/

ONTARIO
No regulations. Guidelines recommend that employers prevent musculoskeletal
disorders (MSD) by: 1. Advising and training workers about MSD risk factors in
their job and in the workplace. 2. Encouraging workers to participate in the
health and safety program through early reporting of MSD symptoms or
concerns. 3. Identifying and assessing job-related MSD risk factors. 4. Putting in place controls to reduce workers’ exposure to MSD risk factors. 5. Following up
to make sure preventative measures are working.
(MOL Information Sheet, Prevent Workplace Pains & Strains; WSIB fact sheet, Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs))


Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO) MSD Prevention Series
A comprehensive strategy for musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) prevention has been established by a sub-committee of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO). One component of this strategy is the development of a guideline and supporting materials to help employers and employees recognize, assess, and control hazards that could lead to painful and costly MSDs. These materials were developed with representation from the Ministry of Labour, the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board, many health and safety associations, and expert input from Richard Wells, Director, CRE-MSD
 
  • MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario describes a recommended framework for MSD prevention.
  • Resource Manual or the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario contains information on implementing the process described in the guideline, understanding and recognizing MSD hazards, risk assessment, and hazard controls.
  • Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Toolbox which contains worksheets, surveys, hazard identification tools and guidance on risk assessment methods. English and French electronic copies of these documents are available for free download from WSIB and Ontario’s Health and Safety Associations:
    http://www.wsib.on.ca/wsib/wsibsite.nsf/public/PreventMSD
    PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
    No regulations or guidelines addressing MSIs in the workplace.

    QUEBEC
    Regulations require employers to: 1. Instruct workers assigned the handling of
    loads or people in the proper manner of performing their work safely. When the
    manual moving of loads or people compromises the worker’s safety, the
    employer must put mechanical devices at his/her disposal. 2. Provide workers
    working on piles with the necessary equipment allowing them to reach the top of piles of material safely, such as step ladders, ladders, pinch grips or any other
    equipment designed for such purpose. 3. Adapt the height of workbenches and
    the position of chairs to the work and the worker in such manner as to ensure
    workers a correct posture and to reduce fatigue. 4. Locate tools, handles and
    materials in positions that facilitate work and reduce strain. 5. Provide workers
    with chairs or benches when the nature of their work so permits. 6. Let workers
    have a meal break of at least 30 minutes when the duration of the work exceeds
    5 hours. Unless there’s an agreement to the contrary, the meal break must begin in a 2-hour period situated in the middle of the workers work period.
    (OHS Regs., Div. XX, Secs. 166 to 171)

    SASKATCHEWAN
    Regulations define MSIs and require employers to: 1. Regularly review, in
    consultation with the JHSC, the activities at the place of employment that may
    cause or aggravate MSIs. 2. Where a risk of MSI is identified, inform each
    worker who may be at risk of developing an MSI of that risk and of the signs and
    symptoms of any MSI associated with that worker’s work; and provide effective
    protection for each worker who may be at risk, including any of the following: a)
    providing equipment designed, constructed, positioned and maintained to reduce the harmful effects of an activity; b) implementing appropriate work practices and procedures to reduce the harmful effects of an activity and c) implementing work schedules that incorporate rest and recovery periods, changes in the workload or other arrangements for alternating work to reduce the harmful effects of an activity. 3. Ensure that workers who may be at risk of developing MSIs are instructed in the safe performance of work, including the use of appropriate work practices and procedures, equipment and PPE. 4. Where a worker has symptoms of an MSI, advise the worker to consult a doctor, promptly review the activities of the at worker and any other workers doing similar tasks to identify any cause of symptoms and take corrective measures to avoid further injuries.
    (OHS Regs., Part VI, Sec. 81)

    YUKON
    No regulations or guidelines addressing MSIs in the workplace.