The Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Guideline for Ontario and the Resource Manual for the MSD Prevention Guideline are now available to help every workplace in Ontario recognize, assess and control hazards that could lead to MSDs. 

The Guideline and Resource Manual were developed by the members of the Occupational Health and Safety Council of Ontario (OHSCO) composed of the Ministry of Labour (MOL), the Workplace Safety & Insurance Board (WSIB), the Institute for Work and Health (IWH) and the Health and Safety Associations (HSAs). The Centre for Research Expertise in the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders (CRE-MSD) also assisted in its development.

MSDs represent 42% of all lost-time compensation claims in Ontario. Direct costs due to lost-time MSDs, from 1996 to 2004, totaled more than $3 billion. The combined direct and indirect costs are conservatively estimated to be $12 billion. 

Left unaddressed, MSDs threaten both worker health and safety and the province’s economic performance. Preventing MSDs can help workplaces to reduce costs, boost productivity, improve product and service quality and stimulate innovation.

The Guideline and the Resource Manual offer everyone in the workplace a roadmap for reducing the risk of MSDs.

The MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario describes a recommended framework for MSD prevention.

Download the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario 

The Resource Manual for the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario contains information on implementing the process described in the Guideline, understanding and recognizing MSD hazards, risk assessment, and hazard controls. 

Download the Resource Manual for the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario