OSACH Safety Group Meeting March 26, 2007 Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention Introduction & Guide...

OSACH Safety Group Meeting March 26, 2007Musculoskeletal Disorders

PreventionIntroduction & Guide to Step 1

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Intro

• Injuries & disorders of the MS system

• Cause or aggravated by hazards in the workplace

• *42% of LTIs

• *42% of all costs

• *50% of all days lost from work

(*from MOL Provincial Ergonomist)


High Priority Rate Group

• 857 Nursing Services (LT MSD)

• 851 LTC (# Reported injuries)


MOL Initiatives

• Launched Pains & Strains Jan 06

• Web site• http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/pains

• March 06 High Risk Inspectors receive training

• April 06 Inspectors ask questions during visits to HC workplaces


MOL Pains & Strains Initiative - MOL Visits

Goal of MSD questions:

• Raise awareness of MSD

• ID hazards that contribute to MSD

• Motivate workplaces to RACE hazards



*Examples of Questions:

• Have you seen MOL Advisory?

• How many MSD claims have you had in lat 1-2 years (LTI/MA/FA)?

• What job/task is most responsible for MSD?

• Do you have a modified/RTW program?



*Examples of Questions:

• Do you provide training on manual materials handling, risk factors, signs & symptoms, how to report MS discomfort?

• Do you have a formal process for ID & controlling MSD hazards?

• Do you conduct an investigation to ID MSD hazards?

• Are MSD hazards identified during Part 2 Certification?


*Types of Hazards MOL may Look For

• Lifting/lowering

• Pushing/pulling

• Awkward postures (neck, shoulder, back, knees)


MOL Pains & Strains –High Risk Initiative

• July 04, MOL announced plan to reduce injuries by 20%

• 20,000 fewer injuries by 2008• Targeted enforcement by MOL from WSIB

data• March 04, launched “Last Chance”• Offer assistance & support to ID

workplaces to voluntarily improve their H&S performance



• Use a risk assessment screen that sorts firms by their risk profile

- based on # injuries/worker- cost of injuries (LT & NLT)- based on 3 years of data- 2007 (2006, 2005, 2004)- firms are compared to others within the same sector (e.g. Health & Community care)



• Top 2% identified as “high risk”

• MOL inspectors visit firms up to 4x/year

• Firm can be dropped off list if compliant with OHSA & IRS

• Remaining 8% forms “priority” by MOL or “last chance” by HSA


Step 1- Set the Standard

What is acceptable for Step 1?

• Policies

• Standard

• Procedures (including SOP’s, terms of reference, job/task, duties, specifications)

• Rules

• Responsibilities

• NOT: Guidelines or Options


What is a policy?

• Mandate (influence people)

• Directive from the top of the organization for the entire organization

• Management provides principles under which business operates

• Does not vary in message or enforcement


What is a standard?

• Written document to guide and direct performance in relation to a specific circumstance or combination of circumstances

• Not mandated

• Promote uniform actions that lead to predictable results

• More dynamic vs policy (rarely changed)


What is a procedure?

• Process specific

• Detail steps to be taken to achieve an objective/complete a procedure or process

• Aimed at a specific group of people

• Example – Procedure for reporting and investigation of MSD hazards/incidents


Policy vs Standard

• Policy Example- The organization is committed to providing a safe & healthy environment….. to ensure all staff understand and are aware of risk factors associated with MSD, assess risk factors, identify priorities and where possible provide appropriate ergonomic equipment or other controls


Policy vs Standard

• Standard Example:- To recognize, assess and apply appropriate controls for MSD risks associated with the repositioning of consumer/clients in bed/wheelchair..


Step 1- Create a General MSD Policy

Tips for writing a standard/policy

• Identify the issue(s)

• Refer to legislation

• Define terms

• Address the who, what, when, where, why, how questions

• Date, review evaluate



First

• Do some research – why do you need the policy, what do you intend to accomplish?

• What are the objectives/goals/purpose?

- increase awareness?- increase reporting of hazards?- reduce LTI’s?- define role of JHSC during monthly inspections



First con’t

Determine Objectives• Ensure measurable• Add value for the organization/ensure

senior management support• Get employee buy-in/support



Second - Refer to Legislation/Resources• CSA (Z412-00) Guideline Office Ergonomics• NIOSH (an agency established to help

assure safe and healthful working conditions for working men and women by providing research information, education, and training in the field of occupational safety and health).

http://www.cdc.gov/niosh/about.html• HSAs



Second - Refer to Legislation/Resources con’t• OHSCO (Occ.Health & Safety Council of

Ontario)

Part 1 – MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario

Part 2 – Resource Manual for MSD Prevention Guideline

Part 3 – MSD Prevention Toolbox• OHSA



Third - Write the policy• Clear simple language• Define terms• Provide all info an employee needs to

perform the task• Involve employee feedback or ask staff to

review for clarity, concerns or additional info



Fourth - Include all workplace parties• Will all staff be affected?• Define accountabilities (individual or

department)• Include in performance standards• Refer to other policies/procedures as

needed (e.g. lift and transfers, etc.)



Fifth - Address Who, What, Where, When, How, Why?

• Why is it needed?• What needs to be done (procedure,

records, inspections, training, training, investigations)?

• Who is responsible?



Sixth – Date and sign policy• Signature by senior management &

committee who assisted..• Include review date & responsible

person(s)• Who will be responsible?



Seventh – Review

• Ask for feedback

• Verify if content is understood/followed/completed


GROUP EXERCISE

Goal: to design a MSD policy for community care sector that can be used as a template for future reference/and your own needs

Within table groups, review the policy sample and make changes, additions, deletions.

Be prepared to share findings.

OSACH Safety Group Meeting March 26, 2007 Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention Introduction & Guide...

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