In February 2012, the Ministry of Labour will blitz workplaces across Ontario, looking for hazards involving manual materials handling that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s). Ministry inspectors will target workplaces in the construction, health care, industrial and mining sectors.
What You Should Have In Place
All organizations will have some level of ergonomic hazards, and therefore a key component of your health and safety program should be an ergonomics standard and procedure. You Ergonomics Standard should outline how ergonomic hazards in you organization will be identified, assessed and controlled. Your standard should also include ergonomics training for all employees. Training employees on MSD’s and ergonomics should be part of an Employee Health and Safety Orientation standard.
Although in Ontario we do not have specific regulations that deal with ergonomic hazards in the workplace, the MOL Inspectors will use the “take all reasonable precaution” requirement to issue orders if they identify ergonomic related hazards in your workplace. Having a good ergonomics program and training should help you avoid orders being issued by the MOL.
For advice or assistance related to your ergonomic hazards and the development of your Ergonomics Program you are welcome to call Proactive Health and Safety Solutions at 416-270-7689.
