Develop a set of Targets and Goals to Eliminate Hazards & Control Risks

The next step in implementation of a successful occupational health and safety (OHS) and MSD prevention program includes the development of a set of targets and goals to eliminate MSD hazards and control exposure to hazards. These targets and goals need to be measurable and appropriate to the needs of the organization.

Action 5.1: Identify and evaluate potential controls 

The organization identifies control options to eliminate the hazard or implement control actions including those related to MSD, evaluate options for eliminating or controlling hazards being guided by the hierarchy of controls.

How to do it? 

The organization should take the following actions:

• Prioritize controlling the root causes of hazards (including those related to MSD) that present the greater risk to workers (Note: employers have the obligation to control all recognized hazards).
• Use brainstorming sessions with workers to identify solutions that eliminate the root causes of hazards (including those related to MSD) or mitigate their effects.
• Use the internet, trade associations and other similar organizations to identify solutions that others have found effective in eliminating reducing or mitigating MSD related hazard.

Action 5.2: Selection of controls 

The organization should have a process in selecting appropriate controls to address MSD hazards. These control actions then need to be prioritized as a set of targets and goals.

How to do it?

Use the resources available under Hazards and Controls in the resource library to get ideas for ways of eliminating and controlling the root causes of MSD Hazards.

The organization should take the following actions to ensure the effectiveness of control actions in MSD prevention:

• Use the Hierarchy of Controls (engineering solutions over administrative controls or personal protective equipment) including those related to MSD.
• Prioritize workplace changes, such as hoists or carts in preference to less effective worker-focused solutions such as lift training or job rotation.
• If chosen, administrative changes for MSD such as lift training should be regarded as temporary or complimentary only until better solutions can be put in place.
• Identify short term and longer-term control strategies.
• Each workplace is unique: expect to have to adapt any purchased control (such as a roller conveyor) to your specific situation.
• Consider the effects of changes on other tasks in the work process.
• Consider performing a user trial (e.g., In a systematic way, have a range of potential users/workers use a mock-up of the change or get a tool on trial from a distributor.)
• Consider costs and work environment practicality, and barriers to changing the workplace when prioritizing controls including those related to MSD.
• After considering safety and MSD risk, consider favouring changes that increase product or service quality too.
• Identify any safety considerations or new hazards that are introduced by the controls including those related to MSD. Perform a Job Safety Analysis or a general hazard identification of the new work process after the controls are chosen.
• Identify hazards present during emergencies, including those related to MSD.
• Perform specific training on new job specific operational procedures or equipment as necessary for involved workers.
• Plan to make the change(s) selected above, document those responsible and a timeline.

Action 5.3: Identifying training and education needs 

The organization should identify training and education needs for successful prevention of MSD.

How to do it?

• The training needs assessment should be done for all relevant stakeholders. The needs assessment is based on the information collected during hazard identification and risk assessment process and focuses on increasing awareness on how to eliminate or reduce exposure to MSD hazards. The stakeholders may include but not limited to workers and workers' representatives, supervisors, owner/managers, engineers, maintenance, quality, operations, logistics, facility managers, contractors, subcontractors, temporary agency worker etc.

Action 5.4: Develop targets and goals 

The organization should develop a list of targets and goals to effectively manage the change management process. The list of prioritized action items with the specific timeline and assigned roles and responsibility will result in a more efficient and systematic process. 

How to do it?

• The organization should develop a set of targets and goals to improve health, safety and prevent workplace injuries with workers including those related to MSD.
• The organization should develop a timeline and action plan to control the identified hazards including those related to MSD.
• The targets and goals should be measurable and specific.