A comprehensive risk assessment involving stakeholders across Ontario's vehicle service and repair
industry has identified musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards, stemming from manual component
handling and awkward working postures, as one of the sector's most significant health and safety risks.
MSDs are injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs with
symptoms that may include pain, tingling, and/or numbness. MSDs can be caused by a specific
incident such as lifting something too heavy; however, more often they occur slowly as workers are
exposed to hazards repeatedly over time.
Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS) and the Vehicle Service and Repair sector are working
together to develop solutions that address the top ten primary causal factors of MSDs from manually
handling components and working in awkward postures. This document provides up-to-date resources
and proven workplace best practices to help reduce MSD risks across the sector.
Top 10 Primary Causal Factors
1. Cutting corners, unsafe practices
2. Inadequate training for supervisors
3. Rushing
4. Inadequate training for workers
5. Key performance indicators (KPIs) prioritize
production over safety
6. Lack of storage leading to awkward lifting
7. Lack of safe work practices (SWPs) for MSD
prevention
8. Historical mindset that MSDs are expected
9. Tasks are physically demanding
10. Lack of MSD internal reporting
Recommendations put forward by the working group to address MSDs in the Vehicle Service and
Repair sector are organized in three categories. For each category, links are provided to associated
WSPS solutions. Visit the Resource Hub, or connect with a consultant for more information.
VEHICLE SERVICE AND REPAIR ROOT CAUSE ANALYSIS
Musculoskeletal Disorders
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