WCB Ergonomics Resources

General Resources

• Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI): A Guide for Employers and Joint Committees (PDF 689kb)
• Understanding the Risks of Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI): An Educational Guide for Workers on Sprains, Strains, and Other MSIs (PDF 1.6mb)
  • Chinese Translation (PDF 1.4mb)
  • Punjabi Translation (PDF 1.3mb)
• Back Talk: An Owner's Manual for Backs (PDF 674kb)
• Does your back hurt? A guide to preventing low back pain (PDF 127kb)
• How to Make Your Computer Workstation Fit You (PDF 689kb)

Worksheets and Guidance Sheets

• WORKSHEET A - MSI Risk Factor Identification (PDF 63kb)
• WORKSHEET B - MSI Risk Factor Assessment (PDF 1.3mb)
• Guidance Sheet - MSI Risk factor: Pushing/Pulling/Carrying (PDF 32kb)
  Use this guidance sheet with Worksheets A and B to identify and assess the risk of MSI due to pushing, pulling, and carrying forces.
• Guidance Sheet - Tools for Ergonomic Assessments (PDF 109kb)
  This guidance sheet describes two tools - dynamometers and goniometers - commonly used in research and in the field.
  
• Guidance Sheet - MSI Risk factor: Local Contact Stresses (PDF 132kb)
  Use this guidance sheet with Worksheets A and B to identify and assess the risk of MSI due to local contact stresses.
• Guidance Sheet - MSI Risk factor: Cold Temperature (PDF 28kb)
  Use this guidance sheet with Worksheets A and B to assess the risks of musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) due to cold temperatures.

Ergonomics Commentaries

• Ergonomics Commentary 1 – Back Belts (PDF 128kb)
• Ergonomics Commentary 2 – Wrist Braces (PDF 137kb)
• Ergonomics Commentary 3 – PC Mouse (PDF 148kb)

Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI) Prevention Bulletins

Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Bulletins provide information on typical MSI issues faced by workers in the following occupations. The information is provided as a guideline only; employers must still complete an MSI risk assessment to accurately determine the risk in their workplace.

• General X-ray Technician (PDF 159kb)
• Warehouse Order Picker (PDF 220kb)
• Bed Making (PDF 167kb)
• Room Cleaning (PDF 186kb)
• Floor Mopping (PDF 195kb)
• Tree Planting (PDF220kb)
• Floor-Cleaning Machines (PDF182kb)

Hazard Alerts

• Don't hold the same position for long periods of time (PDF 139kb)
• Use a full-hand grip (PDF 98kb)
• Reduce repetitive movements (PDF 106kb)
• Avoid awkward work positions PDF 126kb)

Constructive Ideas: Reducing soft tissue injuries

Innovative ideas to reduce soft tissue injuries in the construction industry.

• Drywall delivery safety access hatch (PDF 65kb)
• Reduce your risk of back injury – let your equipment do the work (PDF 107kb)
• Overcome the “Don’t sit on the job” attitude and your body will thank you (PDF 125kb)
• Using a pipe carriage prevents back, shoulder, and wrist fatigue (PDF 104kb)
• Suspending tools prevent back, arm, and shoulder fatigue (PDF 104kb)
• Balanced tool belts can start your back off in the right position (PDF 126kb)
• Job rotation gives the body a break (PDF 95kb)
• How to get through a day's work and still have something left over (PDF 126kb)

Ergonomic Tips for the Hospitality Industry

A series of eight ergonomic pamphlets for the hospitality industry, with general information about tasks that contribute to musculoskeletal injuries (MSI) such as sprains and strains.

• Preventing Injuries to Bar Staff (PDF 229kb)
• Preventing Injuries to Dishwashers (PDF 207kb)
• Preventing Injuries to Front Desk Agents (PDF 218kb)
• Preventing Injuries to Kitchen Staff (PDF 197kb)
• Preventing Injuries to Room Attendants (PDF 203kb)
• Preventing Injuries to Servers (PDF 177kb)
• Preventing Injuries when Handling Luggage (PDF 191kb)
• Preventing Injuries when Serving Banquets (PDF 196kb)