Joint Health and Safety Committee (JHSC) Member

Hazard recognition is the first step in the RACE process. If an MSD hazard is identified and consensus is achieved by management and workers that a practical control is available, it should be implemented to eliminate or control the hazard. More in-depth analysis through MSD risk assessment is required if the control does not eliminate the MSD hazard.

• Specific training on MSD and associated hazards by a competent instructor is required for H&S Representatives and JHSC to identify MSD hazards in the workplace and assist in the development of controls.
• Participation of workers in MSD prevention activities is especially important.

Musculoskeletal Disorders (or MSD) at work is an umbrella term for a number ofdifferent kinds of injuries and disorders of the muscles, tendons, ligaments, bone and nerves. Many body areas can be affected. The low back is the most commonly frequently affected, followed by the shoulders, neck, elbow, hands and wrists.
Common physical hazards that can lead to MSD include:

• High forces
• Awkward postures
• High repetition

These hazards can be found on their own, or in combination with each other. Other hazards that can lead to MSD include vibration, local contact stress, and temperature (cold).

In Ontario, “The health and safety representative, or the joint health and safety committee (JHSC) where applicable, contribute to workplace health and safety because of their involvement with health and safety issues, and by assessing the effectiveness of the IRS. More information on the roles of the joint health and safety committee and the health and safety representative can be found in [the Internal Responsibility System] guide and the Guide for joint health and safety committees and health and safety representatives in the workplace.”

• get training on recognizing, assessing and controlling MSD hazards
• ensure that MSD hazards are included on inspection checklists
• actively look for MSD hazards
• discuss MSD-related concerns at JHSC meetings and with the employer and workers
• review training records to ensure that everyone in the workplace has received training on how to do their jobs safely and how to identify the MSD hazards in the workplace, and
• make recommendations to the employer on how to eliminate, control or reduce
  exposure to MSD hazards.