MOL Blitz Targets MSDs during the Fall 2010
Inspectors will visit retail outlets with high frequency of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
The Ministry of Labour (MOL) has announced that musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) will be the focus of its enforcement blitz from mid-September to mid-November 2010, with a specific focus on the retail industry. That means retail businesses may be visited by an MOL inspector looking for hazards that put your employees at risk for sprains and strains.
The MOL has performed an analysis of retail workplaces and inspectors will pay particular attention to tasks requiring workers to use their muscles to exert force to lift, push or carry items.
The ministry's goals for this blitz are threefold:
- To enhance MSD enforcement efforts
- To raise awareness of the importance of addressing MSDs
- To identify prevention resources available to workplaces through their health and safety associations
The five hazards inspectors will specifically look for in retail outlets
- Manual materials handling on ladders, step stools and rolling stairs
- "Team lifting" heavy objects
- Unnecessary manual materials handling due to obstructions
- Safe handling of compressed cardboard bales
- Safe transportation of work carts
Where to go for help
Training
- Building an MSD Prevention Program (on site training and e-course option) - Participants go through the process of identifying, assessing and controlling MSD hazards. Click here to know more.
- Safe Lifting for Employees / Supervisors (classroom and on site training option) - Available for both employees (2 hours) and supervisors (3 hours) the course provides training and information on safe lifting guidelines, alternatives to lifting, a review of 5 lifting techniques with interactive hands-on practice, and much more. Click here
- Applying the MSD Prevention Guidelines - Participants learn what MSDs are and how to recognize, assess and control MSD hazards. Ideal for owners or managers in developing or implementing an MSD prevention program. Click here
Products / Self Study
- Check it Out: Comfortable Cashier Work - Features safe work practices involved with job responsibilities related to cashiers and outlines the four basic risk factors and how to prevent associated injuries. Store managers and supervisors are provided with detailed explanations on recognizing, assessing and controlling risk factors at the source.
- Ergonomic Hazards Workbook (Certification Part II) - This self-paced module meets the requirements for workplace-specific hazard training as set out by the WSIB. Content and samples are specific to the service sector.
- MSDs: What Employes Should Know - This CD-based product focuses on how employees can prevent MSDs. An employee can learn what MSDs are, understand how they occur and how to recognize, assess and control MSD hazards.
(Please call OSSA at 1-888-478-6772 for further details on the above products.
- Back Safety 101 Self-Study Training Kit - This two-part kit, consisting of a 16 minute DVD video and a facilitator's guide, focuses on the risk factors that may lead to MSDs and offers solutions. While the kit's prime focus is the back, it can be easily applied to prevent MSDs involving other body parts, such as the neck, shoulders, wrists and legs. Click here to know more.
Consulting
Ergonomic improvements are often associated with improved productivity, quality and morale and greatly increasing returns on investment in health and safety. Our ergonomic specialists and consultants work with employers to identify the most effective ways to improve employee work environments and provide solutions including ergonomic assessments, implementation of an ergonomics program, job task analysis, physical demands analysis, and safety talks.
Free Downloads
Please call the OSSA Client Service Line at 1-888-478-6772 for guidance and assistance.
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