2026 Ergonomics Case Study Competition

Showcase real solutions. Inspire safer workplaces.

The Ontario Ergonomics System Committee (ESC) is excited to announce that the 2026 Case Study Competition is now open!

This is your opportunity to showcase innovative, real-world solutions that are making a difference in preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) in the workplace. Whether you’re an ergonomist, industry professional, researcher, or student, we invite you to share your work highlighting practical approaches, emerging technologies, and impactful interventions that improve worker health and safety.

Purpose of the Competition

The Case Study Competition aims to increase the growing collection of real-world examples and success stories on the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario. Through this initiative, we seek to showcase effective solutions, inspire organizations to integrate MSD prevention into their systems and workplace culture, and celebrate innovations that enhance worker well-being and overall organizational performance.

Why Participate?

Compete for awards and prizes across multiple categories
Recognition at the 2026 CRE-MSD conference
Have your work promoted on the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario
Build your professional profile (including CV/resume recognition and COC points for eligible ergonomists)
Connect with leaders in MSD prevention and expand your network

Note: case studies highlight ergonomics solutions that may overlap with potential rebate programs, such as WSIB's Health and Safety Excellence Program - Control of Hazards topic. Inquire with WSIB to determine if you can apply.

Entry Levels

Workplace: Employer, Supervisor, Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) member, Worker Health and Safety Representative (HSR), Union Representative
Professional: Ergonomist, Health and Safety (H&S) Specialist, Engineer, Designer
Student: Undergraduate, Post-graduate, Graduate

How to Enter

Choose a Category from the table below
Summarize your case study in narrative format using the Case Study Template
Submit via email to info@msdprevention.com including your Full Name, Category and Entry Level

CATEGORY	JUDGING CRITERIA
Hazard Control Solutions Interventions to eliminate or control MSD risk	Risk Reduction: Solution reduces or eliminates MSD risk. Worker Involvement: Participatory approach used to identify the problem and develop solution(s) (e.g., involving worker representatives on JHSCs or worker HSRs chosen by workers or their union). Business Impact: Does the solution have benefits beyond risk reduction? Estimate return on investment metrics (e.g., improved quality, increased productivity, improved worker morale/satisfaction, worker health and safety, diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), reduced employee turnover). The ERGO-ROI Calculator can be a useful tool for estimating the cost-benefit of ergonomics interventions. Innovation: The solution demonstrates novel or creative approaches to identifying, assessing, or controlling ergonomic risks (e.g., use of new technologies, design concepts, participatory methods)
Program Solutions Application of the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario's 10-step framework (Basic Guideline or Comprehensive Guideline)	Performance Objectives and Impact: Specific, measurable performance criteria were established for the program, and these performance objectives were used to assess the overall success. Worker Involvement: Meaningful worker input was solicited and used throughout the implementation of the program. Program Sustainability: Describe systems and/or processes used in the program. Demonstrate how management, specialists (e.g., H&S, ergonomists), and workers are involved in ongoing monitoring and evaluation of the program and interventions (Guideline Step 10).
Small Business Application of the Quick Start Guideline (General or Office) in a small business (<50 employees)	Demonstrate application of the Quick Start Guideline poster(s) within a small business Quick Start Guideline: General posters Quick Start Guideline: Office posters Provide examples of how the concepts within the poster(s) were applied Share feedback from workers (if available)

Timeline

Launch: May 2026
Closing date: August 31, 2026
Judging: September 2026
Winners recognized: October 1, 2026 at the CRE-MSD conference

Evaluation and Publication

Entries submitted by the competition closing date will be evaluated based on the judging criteria
- Judges will be from CRE-MSD, as well as system partners involved in the case study competition, and worker representatives
- System partners will be excluded from judging entries from their organization to avoid bias
Consent will be requested prior to publishing selected entries on the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario website
Optional: Case study competition winners can work with CRE-MSD to develop a short (3-minute) video to showcase their case study.

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Enter the 2026 Case Study Competition!

Download the Case Study Template. Once complete, submit via email to info@msdprevention.com.

Ergononomics Case Study Competition Poster

View the promotional poster resource here. Share with your workplace to promote the competition.

View Resource

The 2026 Case Study Competition is hosted by the Ergonomics System Committee (ESC), a collaborative group of representatives from across Ontario’s Occupational Health and Safety (OHS) system. The ESC plays a key role in advancing MSD prevention by bringing together system partners to support knowledge sharing, coordination, and evidence-informed practices.

To learn more about Ontario’s OHS system and its role in supporting workplace health and safety, please explore the following 3-part resource paper series: