MSD's (Musculoskeletal disorders are the
number one type of work-related lost time injury in the province of Ontario
making up over 40% of all injuries.
Workplace MSD claims cost employers millions of dollars in direct costs and
billions of dollars in indirect costs.
By implementing an MSD prevention program
in your workplaces some of the benefits you will achieve are:
·
reduce the number of reported
MSDs thereby reducing the number of Ministry of Labour visits and WSIB claims
·
reduce costs - both direct and
indirect costs
·
create a safer workplace
·
have healthier employees
·
less loss time injuries and
·
lower recruitment costs
(recruitment, orientation, training, morale etc.)
The
costs of MSD Claims equated to an hourly cost per employee vary based on the
annual salary. For example, an employee
who earns an annual salary of 15,000 would cost approximately $10.10 per hour;
an employee who earns $75,000 annual salary would cost approximately $50.48 per
hour.
Be proactive and implement an ergonomic
program in your workplace. Train and advise your workers. Ensure that they participate in the program
through early reporting of MSD symptoms or concerns. Regularly identify and assess risk
factors. Implement controls to reduce
workers' exposure to MSD risk factors.
To ensure preventive measures are working - follow up.
Ministry of Labour blitzes are planned to
continue. MSD programs and prevention best practices do not have to be complex
systems. Ensure your return to work
policy; procedures and program are up to date with MSD requirements under the
Ministry of Labour and OHSA guidelines.
If you have an effective health and safety program you already have a
solid foundation to develop your MSD prevention program.
Lynne Bard, BA (Honours), C.H.R.P., CES
Human Resources, Safety & Risk Management Experts
Taking the Complexity out of Compliance
President
Beyond Rewards Inc.
Phone: 519-821-7440
Cell: 519-830-7480
mail: lbard@beyondrewards.ca
No comments:
Post a Comment