Engaging workers in musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention

If you’re looking to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) in the workplace, ask a representative sample of workers that perform the work to participate in the identification of MSI risk factors.

Having workers actively participating in discussions on MSI prevention is extremely beneficial, since they are the ones who know the work requirements and often have thoughts and insights into solutions. They may have heard of innovative new ways to make things more efficient, reduce the risk of MSI, and optimize workplace system performance. When engaging with the workers and having them participate in the process, it’s important to ask: 

• How can we redesign the work to eliminate the risks?
• How can we reduce the risks from the work?
• How can we reduce the exposure of MSI risk factors to workers?

When considering how to reduce the risk, it’s important to follow the hierarchy of controls.

Read more

To learn more about workplace controls, risk assessments, and the role of braces, check out the other articles in this series:

• Looking beyond braces for musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention
• Can braces prevent workplace injury?
• How to prevent musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs)

You can also check out the following webpages and resources on worksafebc.com:

• Creating a Key Risk Inventory for Your Workplace: Engaging Your Workers to Help Manage Risks
• Guide to Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI) Risk Assessment
• Ergonomics webpage

We're here to help

If you have questions about ergonomics or human factors, or need help managing the risk of MSI in your workplace, please contact us at HumanFactors@worksafebc.com