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Regulation Review: Part 8

Workers in Manitoba have legislated regulations to help keep us safe, day in and day out – no matter what job we do. These regulations are a part of the framework for building safe workplaces in Manitoba. 

The Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Act and associated regulations are in place to protect you – the worker – from workplace hazards and the risks they present. Manitoba Regulation 217/2006 is a 44-part document containing requirements and guidelines for workplaces, including site-specific rules and other valuable information to prevent harm from coming to workers.  

Over the coming months, SAFEty Check is profiling one part of the Regulation in each issue to help remind you of the Regulation’s specifics and to help keep safety top-of-mind for all Manitobans.  

This issue, it’s Regulation Part 8 – Musculoskeletal Injuries.  

Coincidentally, we are one week away from the national Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Week, which runs Sept. 27 through Oct 3.  

Generally speaking (and according to the Regulation), musculoskeletal injuries are defined as any injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue including sprains, strains and inflammation that a worker may experience.  

Musculoskeletal injuries are often caused or aggravated by:  

  • Repetitive motion
  • Forceful exertion
  • Vibration
  • Mechanical compression
  • Sustained or awkward posture
  • Limitation of motion or action
  • Any other factor that creates a risk

 

According to the Regulation, employers are required to assess risks of musculoskeletal injuries, apply and monitor control measures and inform workers of any possible risks. These requirements are explained in more detail below.

If an employer is aware or should reasonably have been aware, or has been advised that a work activity creates a risk of musculoskeletal injury, the employer must ensure the risk is assessed and – following the assessment – implement control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk.  

Control measures may include providing, positioning and maintaining equipment designed and constructed to reduce or eliminate the risk; developing and implementing SAFE work procedures; implementing work schedules that incorporate rest and recovery periods, changes to workload or other arrangements for alternate work; and providing personal protective equipment. 

Once control measures are in place, an employer must monitor their effectiveness and implement further control measures if a risk is not eliminated or reduced.

In all cases, workers must be informed of the risks and of the signs and common symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries associated with their work. They must also receive instruction and any training that may help them understand the control measures that are in place.

For full details regarding the legislative requirements in the area of musculoskeletal injuries, download the Regulation.