In 2020, 22 per cent of workplace injury claims in Manitoba's construction industry were musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs). MSIs are sprain and strain injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs. In addition to the physical cost of these injuries, MSIs come with a financial cost to employers.
On June 15, Manitoba officially launched its MSI Prevention Strategy, aimed to address and reduce the number of MSIs in Manitoba workplaces over the next four years. This strategy includes working with safety partners and industry-based safety programs, like the Construction Safety Association of Manitoba, on resources and training that are industry-specific and accessible online; supporting employers and workers in jobs with high MSI risk; reaching out to youth and young workers to deliver MSI prevention education; and building awareness among all Manitobans on how MSIs are caused and how they can be prevented.
This strategy also breaks down some of the metrics behind current MSI trends:
- Top three events causing MSIs – forceful exertions, awkward/sustained postures, and repetitive motions
- Cost of MSIs in 2019 – $35.7 million
- Time lost days for MSIs in 2019 – 206,140
- Top body area of MSIs – back
You can view the prevention strategy document online, or for more resources on preventing MSIs, you check out our toolbox talk on MSIs or considering registering for our Manual Material Handling course. For further consultation on how you can reduce the risk of MSIs at YOUR jobsite, you can also speak to a safety advisor by calling 204-775-3171 in Winnipeg or 204-728-3456.
