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Reader Panel: Ergonomics
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Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 40 per cent of all lost-time claims in Ontario workplaces. MSDs and repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are injuries that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves, and can develop when the same muscles are used repetitively or for long periods. 


Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 40 per cent of all lost-time claims in Ontario workplaces. MSDs and repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are injuries that affect muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves, and can develop when the same muscles are used repetitively or for long periods.

An overwhelming number of our reader panelists say they have encountered work-related MSD issues in the workplace. More than 90 per cent of the respondents attest to either having suffered or known a co-worker who suffers or had suffered from work-related MSDs or repetitive strain injuries. In contrast, only four per cent responded in the negative.

One respondent says one out of every three recordable injuries at their company is an RSI. Another who works in the health care sector observes MSD is the biggest injury type in their industry.

“I’m in my early fifties and I have worked in factories all my life it seems. I have developed wrist problems over the last couple of years that at some point in the future I will have to deal with. I have also observed several other employees wearing wrist and elbow supports to relieve pain,” says one survey respondent.

“We have only had a handful of RSIs but they are challenging to manage and claims seem to come in clusters,” another reader panelist says.

Some survey respondents say that while their workers do suffer from RSI, their company has been proactive in addressing the issue. “Progressive degeneration of lower spine — shoes, walking surfaces etc. — introduced proper footwear awareness and selection program. RSI on wrists — keyboard use — introduced training/awareness program, had all stations ergonomically redesigned.”

One reader panelist says a reevaluation of workstations and the enforcement of regular work rotations every four hours have decreased the risk of MSD at their company.

Ergonomics expertise is important in redesigning the workplace to prevent MSD. Most of our reader respondents say ergonomics expertise is available to them either as an in-house or external resource.

“It is important but not a major part of the H&S program at this time. The program is big and is promoted, but generally there is about a 10 per cent uptake on workstation assessment,” says one respondent.

Another reader says it’s a management call. “Upper management does not prioritize ergonomics. It is difficult, if not impossible, to obtain funds for ergonomic projects.”

“Dependent on the working group, it is either a big or minor part. Example all our office workstations are ergonomically evaluated and staff receive instruction and follow up to ensure proper use of the adjustable equipment to their best advantage. For the more physical jobs, there is much less focus and information available,” says another respondent.

There’s also the human factor issue. “Most problems in an office environment are related to prolonged sitting and not performing regular stretches. Poor posture and bad habits are more of a problem than the workstation set up,” says one reader panelist.

“RSIs and ergonomics are just one aspect of a comprehensive OH&S program; it cannot be seen as the most or least important component.”

Many respondents say that while ergonomics may not be the most important issue in workplaces today, it’s gaining traction and more employees are beginning to ask more questions about it.

“Ergonomic evaluations are an ongoing part in both the plant and the office. In fact in the last four months, the office ergonomics have been a priority.”

When asked whether they think their companies are putting proper emphasis on applying ergonomics in the workplace, the responses were closely divided.

Fifty-six per cent of the respondents believe their company is paying enough attention to ergonomics issues at their workplace, while 43 per cent don’t think so.

“We are gradually building up the internal knowledge base as this is the best solution for the long term,” says one respondent.

Most respondents say they have both internal and external experts advising them on ergonomics issues at their workplace.

“We have two individuals with extensive ergonomics training, particularly in the area of performing physical demands analyses. We have also employed the services of certified ergonomists, where the issue was more complex (as the situation warranted).”

One reader comments, “External via WSBC (WorkSafe BC). We have contracted ergonomists for several special projects and would like to do more but the costs are prohibitive.”

Despite the acknowledged importance of ergonomics in the workplace and the role it play in reducing MSD and RSI among workers, ergonomics remains to be a minor part of a company’s OH&S program, based on the reader panel responses.

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