Workers

Musculoskeletal Injuries


MSIs are painful disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, spinal discs, or related soft tissue. They include sprains, strains, and inflammation and can occur anywhere in the body, but the back, shoulder, neck, elbow, wrist and knee are common areas.

  • Common MSIs include but are not limited to:
    • Muscle or tendon strain
    • Ligament sprain
    • Tendonitis
    • Bursitis
    • Tennis Elbow or Golfers’ Elbow
    • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
    • Herniated disc
    • Trigger Finger

  • Other terms commonly used for MSI include:
    • Soft-tissue injury
    • Musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)
    • Repetitive strain injury
    • Repetitive motion injury
    • Overexertion injury
    • Cumulative trauma disorder
Causes of MSI
Preventing MSIs
Signs and Symptoms of MSI


General MSI Information

Do Not Ignore the Warning Signs – MSI PosterEmployers Guide – Meeting your Legislative Requirements for MSI PreventionImplementing MSI Prevention ProgramsImplementing MSI Prevention Programs – SummaryMSDS Musculoskeletal DisordersMSI Prevention- A Practical Implementation Resource for Newfoundland and LabradorWhat are the MSI facts


Certification Training

To address the burden MSIs are having on our province’s workforce, WorkplaceNL developed the MSI Prevention Certification Training Standard.

This one-day training program is designed to provide practical education about musculoskeletal injury prevention to protect workers from ergonomic hazards. The six learning modules are comprised of several practical activities that will enable participants to better understand and apply ergonomics concepts and principles in the workplace. It teaches how to recognize MSI hazards and eliminate them or minimize risk when elimination is not possible. In addition, participants will learn about each workplace party’s legislative duties for MSI prevention.

Only approved trainers are permitted to instruct this certification training program. Each trainer must have demonstrated specific eligibility requirements and passed a formal trainer assessment by WorkplaceNL prior to being approved to instruct Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Certification Training. By developing a training standard, along with a detailed curriculum, WorkplaceNL has set the benchmark for all training providers to deliver consistent and quality learning objectives and instruction.

To register for a course, visit the Certification Training Registry.

Click here, if you are interested in becoming an approved trainer for Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention.


Office Ergonomics

Ergonomic Solutions for a Temporary Home OfficeMSI Hotspots – Office WorkerOffice Ergonomics – MSI Injury PreventionOffice Ergonomics Self-Inspection ChecklistSafety Share – Sitting PositionSafety Share – Standing PositionSafety Share – Tips for Improved Laptop SetupSit/Stand Workstations (Workers and Employers)


Microbreaks

Microbreaks PosterMicrobreaks Presentation

 
Occupation MSI Injury Hotspots

MSI Hotspots – Cleaners and JanitorsMSI Hotspots – Construction LabourerMSI Hotspots – Office WorkerMSI Hotspots – Personal Care AttendantsMSI Hotspots – Retail Salesperson and ClerksMSI Hotspots – RNs and LPNs


Back Protection

Back Protection Poster – Push, Don't PullBack Protection Poster – Design Your WorkstationBack Protection Poster – Ensuring a Safe Efficient WarehouseBack Protection Poster – Fire Tech – Introducing Ladder Testing EquipmentBack Protection Poster – Is There a Tool for That?Back Protection Poster – Promoting Anti-fatigue Mats for Your BackBack Protection Poster – Remember Not to Twist When You LiftBack Protection Poster – Taking Care of Animals and Your BackHealthy Backs for Fishers and ProcessorsManual Materials Handling Poster


Risk Factors

MSI Risk Factor ChecklistMSI Risk Factors – Adverse TemperaturesMSI Risk Factors – Awkward PosturesMSI Risk Factors – Contact StressMSI Risk Factors – Forceful ExertionsMSI Risk Factors – Hand-Arm VibrationMSI Risk Factors – Improper LightingMSI Risk Factors – Repetitive MotionsMSI Risk Factors – Sustained PosturesMSI Risk Factors – Whole Body Vibrations


Lifting and Handling

Manual Materials Handling PosterSafety Share – Golfer's LiftSafety Share – Golfer's Lift VideoSafety Share – Lifting and HandlingSafety Share – Lunge LiftSafety Share – Lunge Lift VideoSafety Share – Overhead LiftSafety Share – Partial Lunge LiftSafety Share – Partial Lunge Lift VideoSafety Share – Partial Squat LiftSafety Share – Partial Squat Lift and One-Handed Carry VideoSafety Share – Pushing and PullingSafety Share – Shovelling TechniqueSafety Share – Sitting PositionSafety Share – Squat LiftSafety Share – Squat Lift VideoSafety Share – Standing PositionSafety Share – Team Lift

Tools and Checklists

MSI Risk Factor ChecklistOffice Ergonomics Self-Inspection ChecklistSupervisor Ergonomics Work Observation Checklist


External Resources


Support for Workplaces

Contact a member of our Prevention Services department with questions or to request education or other MSI prevention support services for your workplace. Our services are free! Email safety@workplacenl.ca or call 1-800-563-9000.