This process can be used if an employee reports musculoskeletal discomfort or difficulties performing certain activities. You will also find tools and information that can be used proactively, before problems arise.
For problems related to computer workstations, use the Computer Workstation Checklist.
1) If discomfort is being reported, provide advice on health care options.
- see a doctor
- discuss a referral to a musculoskeletal specialist (e.g. sports injury clinic)
- Sports injury clinics on campus
2) Find out what activities the employee finds difficult.
Resources: Preliminary Worksheet and Employee Musculoskeletal Discomfort Report in the list below
3) Try to find ways to make the activities easier.
Resource: see Activity Improvement Tool in the list below
Sources of ideas and assistance:
- Equipment manufacturers and suppliers
- Health and Safety Officers
- Joint Health and Safety Committee members or Health and Safety Representatives
- Leadership Groups (CSBO)
- Observing the activity
- Occupational Health and Safety
- Other employees who perform this activity (particularly the biggest and the smallest)
- Other institutions performing similar work
- Trade associations
- Your manager
3.1) Review body mechanics.
- One on one review of body mechanics (OHS can help you with this)
- If less urgent, employee can attend a Material Handling/Back Safety workshop or refresher, if they have not already done so. Refreshers are recommended every 3 years.
Resources:
Because we may forget to use proper body mechanics, a more effective solution is to study the activity that caused the injury and try to implement improvements.
Follow up steps
4) Evaluate any changes made to make sure they are working.
- Check in with the employee the day after changes were made.
- Are the changes helping? Any unexpected problems?
- Depending on the outcome of this initial follow up, daily or weekly follow ups should be scheduled until the concern is resolved.
Resource: Ergonomics Change Evaluation Tool in the list below
5) Communicate lessons learned to other employees.
- Make others aware of lessons learned from this process, in order to reinforce the importance of using preventive measures.
- Do not share the identity of the affected employee without getting approval from him/her first.
- Encourage early reporting of problems
Tools and Information
- Ontario Ministry of Labour Supervisor Training Products
- Presentation Slide Deck (PDF)
- Presentation Outline (PDF)
- Printable Tools from Slide Deck (PDF)
- All the tools (except the Employee Musculoskeletal Discomfort Report) are in the link above. Links to the individual tools are below.