Sponsored by:
Occupational Clinics for Ontario Workers (OHCOW)
Workers Health and Safety Centre
Ontario Federation of Labour
Canadian Labour Congress
What is Ergonomics?
Ergonomics is the science of fitting the job to the worker. Ergonomic hazards in the office can cause musculoskeletal injury (MSI) or repetitive strain injury (RSI). The injury "carpel tunnel syndrome" is an example.
Ergonomics aims to design work stations, work processes, equipment, and tools to fit workers of different sizes, shapes and limits. Designing workstations to suit workers decreases the risk of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).
According to WSIB statistics, MSIs contribute to more than 50 per cent of all reported injuries, and show no sign of declining.
Ontario has no regulatory standards for ergonomics other than the employer’s general duty in the Occupational Health and Safety Act to make reasonable provisions for the safety of workers.
Without standards, Ontario employers get to decide how, and to what extent they protect workers from ergonomic hazards in the workplace. Since passing their 1998 Ergonomic Regulation, British Columbia’s MSI injuries decreased by 40 per cent, and total WSIB claims decreased by 19 per cent.
In addition to BC, Saskatchewan has an Ergonomic Regulation, and Manitoba and Nova Scotia have begun consultations on a new regulatory standard.
Details of Conference
Date: Fri. May 28, 2004 (1:00 pm start) and Sat. May 29, 2004 (half day)
Location: Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel, 5875 Airport Road, Mississauga
Registration Fee: $115 includes attendance at all sessions and workshops, materials and breaks, as well as dinner Friday night (payable to OHCOW—download form)
Accommodations not included –special rate for conference delegates has been arranged for $120 until May 14, 2004, to book accommodations call 1-800-567-9999
--perhaps locals could fund time off from work if required
At the conference, Health and Safety Activists will get a chance to:
- Meet and discuss ergonomics with Health and Safety activists in OPSEU and other unions
- Meet other members of the OFL/CLC Health and Safety Community and important H&S organizations—OHCOW and WHSC
- Obtain knowledge and resources on ergonomics
- Examine the economic and personal costs of musculoskeletal injuries
- Review and compare existing ergonomics legislation in North America and other jurisdictions
- Discuss where we are at in terms of ergonomic protection in Ontario
- Identify and promote effective strategies and actions for getting an ergonomic regulation passed in Ontario
