Ergonomic requirements were enacted into the Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) Regulation in 1998, and since that time WorkSafeBC has engaged in a coordinated initiative of education, consultation, and enforcement in order to address musculoskeletal injury (MSI). Our initial efforts included extensive education and outreach to assist employers and workers in understanding and complying with the requirements.

Musculoskeletal injuries account for approximately 30 percent of all claims and approximately 26 percent of all claim costs. They are the primary driver of the time-loss claims rate. The MSI Planned Inspectional Initiative is designed to reduce MSI risk by focusing on the higher risk activities in specific industries that contribute significantly to overall MSI injuries.

Our goals

The goals of the MSI Planned Inspectional Initiative are to:

• Enhance employer and worker awareness of ergonomics: Improve the understanding of ergonomic health and safety in workplaces

• Reduce MSI risk in targeted workplaces: Improve the knowledge, ability, and motivation of employers to identify and control workplace ergonomics and MSI hazards and achieve sustainable compliance with the OHS Regulation

Our focus

2024 inspectional approach

For 2024 inspections, prevention officers will take a risk-based approach to ensure that the most significant risks are effectively managed. This approach involves workers and employers identifying hazards, evaluating risks, and implementing the appropriate controls specific to the on-site activities. In addition, it focuses on employers ensuring these efforts are effectively communicated to workers and monitored through foundational occupational health and safety systems such as new and young worker orientations, training, supervision, incident investigations, worksite inspections, and (where applicable) joint health and safety committees that are effective, robust, and well supported.

• Inspections, enforcement, and the necessary educational and consultative support will be focused on supermarkets and large retailers to help employers and workers reduce their MSI risk
• Site inspections will primarily focus on the ergonomic requirements of the OHS Regulation, paying particular attention to the following:
  • Risk identification
  • Risk assessment
  • Risk controls
  • Education and training
  • Consultation

What you can do

Our Ergonomics page provides resources and information on how to understand and address this health and safety risk in your industry.