Additional Regional Requirements
Soft Tissue Injury Directive
A musculoskeletal injury (soft tissue) is defined as any injury or disorder of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue, and includes sprains, strains or inflammation that may occur to a Worker in the workplace and that is caused or aggravated by:
- Repetitive motion
- Forced exertion
- Vibration
- Mechanical compression
- Sustained posture
- Awkward posture
- Limitation of motion or action
- Any other factor contributing to a risk of musculoskeletal injury
When Qualico becomes aware (through inspection, hazard assessment or otherwise) of a work activity that has a potential risk of any musculoskeletal injury to a Worker, Qualico will complete an assessment of the task and associated risk. This assessment includes:
- Physical format of the work and workplace
- Type of equipment or tools to be used
- Probable length of continuous time the Worker would be involved in using or operating the tools and equipment
- Parts of the body potentially at risk
- Conditions under which the work was to be performed.
Where Qualico identifies a potential risk of musculoskeletal injury at the workplace, Qualico will inform the Workers of the potential risk. Qualico will also provide instruction in the use of the selected control measures to reduce the potential risks. Based on the workplace and work pattern assessments, Qualico will eliminate the risk or reduce it as far as is reasonably practicable.
Affirmative action taken by Qualico may include, but not be limited to:
- Substituting types of equipment.
- Reducing the continuous time a Worker spends on a job.
- Providing alternative work equipment.
- Job sharing between Workers.
- Amending Safe Job Procedures or Safe Work Practices.
- Specialized Personal Protective Equipment.
- Redesigning the work.
Workers are encouraged to report any circumstance or situation where they feel a potential risk for musculoskeletal injury may exist.