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Year-long inspection blitz seeks out MSD hazards in warehouses


An ergonomics compliance initiative by the Ministry of Labour, Training and Skills Development (MLTSD) gets underway on May 1 in warehouses, distribution centres and other manual material handling environments, such as retail storerooms.

The focus is on manual materials handling hazards that could lead to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), falls from ladders, and visibility hazards involving mobile equipment, says WSPS Specialized Service Lead (Ergonomics) Don Patten.

Don notes that the rate of MSDs in Ontario warehouses is well above the provincial average. Statistics from the MLTSD and Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB) show

  • MSDs are the number one type of lost-time work injury reported to the WSIB[1]
  • MSDs (strains and sprains) represented 31% of all allowed lost time injury claims in 2020[2]

Don provides more insight on what inspectors may look for and steps you can take in any workplace to reduce manual materials handling hazards.

Find out more, including what inspectors will be looking for, HERE: https://www.wsps.ca/resource-hub/articles/year-long-compliance-initiative-seeks-out-msd-hazards-in-warehouses


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