MUSCULOSKELETAL HEALTH & INJURY

Prevention, Risk Factors, and Employer Obligations in Ontario

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the leading cause of lost-time injuries in Ontario. This resource explains what MSDs are, what causes them, what Ontario law requires, and how employers and workers can prevent them.

Bullivant Health + Safety | bullivant.ca | 905-664-4943 | 158 S Service Road, Stoney Creek, ON
This resource is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.

1. What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?

MSDs are injuries or disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, and blood vessels. They typically develop gradually through repeated exposure to physical stress, though they can also result from a single acute event.

• #1: Leading cause of lost-time injuries in Ontario
• 40%: Of all WSIB lost-time claims involve MSDs
• $1B+: Annual cost to Ontario employers

 

Common MSD Conditions

LOWER BACK PAIN The most prevalent MSD. Associated with heavy lifting, prolonged sitting or standing, and awkward postures. CARPAL TUNNEL SYNDROME Compression of the median nerve from repetitive hand and wrist movements. Common in office and administrative roles. EPICONDYLITIS Painful overuse of elbow tendons. Common in roles involving repetitive gripping, twisting, or tool use.

ROTATOR CUFF INJURIES Shoulder injuries common in overhead work and repetitive reaching. Frequent in trades and maintenance roles. TENDINITIS Inflammation of tendons from overuse. Can affect the shoulder, elbow, wrist, or knee depending on the work performed. KNEE & HIP DISORDERS Prolonged kneeling, squatting, or standing on hard surfaces. Prevalent in construction, maintenance, and fieldwork.

 

Key Risk Factors

• Force: Exerting high muscular effort — lifting, pushing, pulling, or gripping heavy loads
• Repetition: Performing the same motion repeatedly over a shift
• Awkward posture: Working with the body in positions that create strain — bending, twisting, reaching overhead, or kneeling
• Vibration: Whole-body vibration from vehicles or equipment; hand-arm vibration from power tools
• Contact stress: Pressing body parts against hard or sharp surfaces
• Cold temperatures: Cold environments reduce muscle function and increase injury risk

2. The Legal Framework

• OHSA Section 25 — general duty to protect workers applies to ergonomic hazards
• Ontario Regulation 851, Section 45 — no worker shall be required to lift loads likely to cause injury
• Ontario's MSD Prevention Guideline — Ministry of Labour guidance for risk assessment and control
• WSIB — MSDs including gradual-onset conditions are compensable

3. Employer Obligations

HAZARD IDENTIFICATION Identify ergonomic hazards through workplace observations, injury record reviews, and worker consultation. HAZARD CONTROL Implement controls using the hierarchy — elimination and engineering before administrative controls or PPE. TRAINING Train workers on MSD risk factors, early symptom recognition, and how to report concerns.

RISK ASSESSMENT Assess frequency, duration, and intensity of ergonomic exposures for each role and task. WORKER PARTICIPATION Involve workers and JHSCs in identifying hazards and evaluating solutions. EARLY REPORTING & RTW Have clear early symptom reporting processes and graduated return-to-work programs that respect medical restrictions.

4. The Hierarchy of Controls

CONTROL LEVEL	EXAMPLES
Elimination — remove the hazardous task entirely Substitution — replace with a safer task or lighter tool Engineering — modify the workspace or equipment Administrative — change work practices, rotation, schedules PPE — last resort only; must be combined with higher controls	Automate a repetitive lifting task Replace heavy manual tool with a powered alternative Install height-adjustable workbenches or lifting aids Job rotation, microbreaks, revised lifting procedures Anti-vibration gloves — not a substitute for engineering controls

 

BACK BELTS ARE NOT A PRIMARY CONTROL

Evidence does not support back belts as a standalone MSD prevention measure. Employers who rely solely on back belts are not meeting their OHSA obligations. Back belts must be combined with proper training, engineering controls, and workload management.

5. Worker Rights

• The right not to be required to lift loads likely to cause injury (O. Reg. 851, Section 45)
• The right to appropriate mechanical handling equipment
• The right to training before performing high-risk handling tasks
• The right to report unsafe tasks without reprisal
• The right to file a WSIB claim for a work-related MSD including gradual-onset conditions

 

GENERAL INFORMATION NOTICE

This resource is for general informational purposes only. Contact the Ministry of Labour for regulatory guidance specific to your workplace.