Ergonomic Reference Package
The most common injury in Ontario’s forest industry is no different from what happens in other industrial sectors – gradual damage to muscles, ligaments tendons and nerves as a result of repetitive, forceful or awkward movements. Strain and sprain injuries – also known as musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) – have accounted for more than one-third of all forestry lost-time injuries in recent years.

These types of injuries cost. They cost workers – pain and suffering, disruption to home and work life and impact on families, friends and the community. They cost workplaces – loss of productivity and revenue, Ministry of Labour orders, loss of rebates and accumulation of surcharges from Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. Under Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety Act, employers are required to take every reasonable precaution to protect workers from hazards resulting in strain & sprain injuries. One important way to do this is to recognize, assess, control and monitor workplace hazards that could lead to strain and sprain injuries.

Ergonomic Reference Package PDF (1mb)