Celebrated in October each year, Global Ergonomics Month is an international outreach campaign promoting human-centred design through the science, application and profession of ergonomics or human factors. These disciplines are focused on optimizing human well-being as well as overall system performance by proactively designing work and work systems to fit the people interfacing with them in ways that improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and comfort. Ergonomics is ultimately good for business and good for people.

OHCOW is contributing to the Month by launching our new app (PainPoint) which translates body mapping and task characteristics into recommendations and an action plan for individuals which can be shared to start a dialogue about workplace solutions.  Built with the assistance of the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, it will be officially launched at an Ontario Prevention System event on October 14th, but is available now at:  www.ohcow.on.ca/painpoint .  Be part of our user experience group -- try it, share it, and tell us how you like it at painpoint@ohcow.on.ca

OHCOW is also co-hosting an event for workers and their advocates with the Workers Health and Safety Centre (WHSC) in Hamilton on October 25 & 26th:  From Pain to Prevention:
Taking Action to Prevent MSDs ( Musculoskeletal Disorders) see the MSD conference flyer, agenda, and conference registration form for more information.

In addition, check out the Ministry of Labour’s Ergonomics Month website for a listing of more events, tools and resources to raise awareness of this important subject:
http://www.labour.gov.on.ca/english/hs/ergonomics.php

And carrying the theme a few weeks longer, attend one of these OHCOW workshops in Southwest Ontario:

Seminar Series (Lunch & Learn): “Taking a Stand Against Sitting”

Recently labelled as the new smoking, sitting consumes a large portion of our daily lives and unfortunately even becomes habit. Prolonged sitting has been associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and even death. But how much do we really sit in a typical day and what are we at risk of? This session will discuss the harmful effects of prolonged sitting and examine the difference between habitual and conscious movement and why breaking one’s habit can often be more difficult than we think. Recommendations for avoiding prolonged sitting will be provided as they relate to both the workplace and everyday life.

OHCOW will be highlighting various resources throughout the month to raise awareness and provide information on the benefits of ergonomics. The first two resources, info sheets from the ErgoInfo series, provide information on musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and the signs and symptoms of MSDs.

Celebrated in October each year, Global Ergonomics Month is an international outreach campaign promoting human-centred design through the science, application and profession of ergonomics or human factors. These disciplines are focused on optimizing human well-being as well as overall system performance by proactively designing work and work systems to fit the people interfacing with them in ways that improve efficiency, productivity, health, safety and comfort.

Ergonomics is ultimately good for both business and people.

October 31: Office Ergonomics Reference Guide

Thumbnail of the cover of the Office Ergonomics Reference GuideUpdated for the modern workplace, remote (mobile) workstations, and new technology. Ergonomics aims to design workstations, work processes, equipment, and tools to fit you.

GO TO WEB PAGE

DOWNLOAD PDF

October 17: Bursitis and Tendonitis

Learn about ergonomic risk factors contributing to Bursitis and Tendonitis and specific recommendations for prevention.

Bursitis:

DOWNLOAD PDF

Tendonitis

DOWNLOAD PDF

October 23: Ergonomics and Sleep

Ergonomics of Sleep Info SheetHow you sleep and factors like mattress quality can affect your health and sometimes result in musculoskeletal disorders.

Ergonomics and Sleep

This info sheet accompanies a 2-part OH-PODS podcast. Tune in to hear!

PART ONE

PART TWO

October 10: Ligament MSD InfoSheets

Ligament sprains and muscle strains are very common workplace musculoskeletal disorders.
To learn more click on the links below.

Ligament Sprain/Tear:

DOWNLOAD PDF

Muscle Sprain/Tear:

DOWNLOAD PDF

October 12: Fall Yard and Winter Chores at Home

Ergonomics of Fall Chores Info SheetErgonomic principles extend beyond the workplace. To learn how to apply ergonomic principles to Fall and Winter Chores listen to these podcasts:

Ergonomics of Fall Yard/Garden Chores (PDF and Podcast link)

Ergonomics of Winter Chores (PDF and Podcast links)

October 2: MSD InfoSheets

ErgoInfoSheet: Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

DOWNLOAD PDF

ErgoInfoSheet: Musculoskeletal Disorders Signs and Symptoms

DOWNLOAD PDF

Also check out the podcast on this topic:

LISTEN TO PODCAST

October 5: What is the Role of an MLITSD Ergonomist

What is the role of the Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training, and Skills Development when it comes to workplace ergonomics? Listen to the podcast to find out!

PREVIOUS YEARS

OHCOW contributed the following online sessions to Global Ergonomics Month 2021 to assist both workers and employers.

New Office Ergonomics Reference Guide Launch

Video link coming soon...

Fork Lift Promo

Operating Heavy Equipment

Exercises to Help Prevent Injuries for Lift Truck Operators

How to Set the Seat and Controls in Fork Lifts to Prevent Injuries

In 2019 the Ontario Ministry of Labour (MoL) focused on Manual Materials Handling (MMH) as part of their Healthy workers in Healthy Workplaces initiative and conducted worksite inspections looking specifically at MMH tasks across all sectors.

Full details of the initiative can be found on the MoL website of by following the links below:

Construction     •    Health care      •   Industrial     •   Mining

 

Ergonomic Tools and Calculators

OHCOW has a number of free ergonomic tools and calculators to assist your workplace in preparing / updating your current practices prior to your inspection visit.

Contact your local OHCOW Clinic to speak to an Ergonomist for more specific help.

You can also visit msdprevention.com for the most up-to-date information and tools to support workplaces of all sizes.
It includes a simple Quick Start Guide to start doing something about manual material handling today.

OHCOW contributed to Global Ergonomics Month 2017 with the following presentations:

Evaluate Your Workstation: An Introduction to a New Office Ergonomics Calculator

Co-hosted by WSN

Psychosocial Ergonomics and Ergonomics: Fact or Fiction