Office Ergonomics Awareness in Canada:

In today's modern world, technology has transformed the way we work, particularly in the office setting. With the majority of jobs requiring long hours spent sitting in front of a computer, employees are at risk of developing physical strain injuries. Furthermore, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) impose a significant economic burden in Canada, estimated to be $22 billion annually (Source: Workers Health & Safety Centre Canada, "The Economics of Ergonomics," URL: https://www.whsc.on.ca/Files/Resources/Ergonomic-Resources/RSI-Day-2016_MSD-Case-Study_The-economics-of-ergon.aspx). To prevent these injuries, it is important to have an understanding of office ergonomics awareness.

OFFICE ERGONOMICS DEFINITION

What is office ergonomics?

Office ergonomics refers to the science of designing and arranging office spaces, furniture, equipment, and tasks in a way that promotes optimal comfort, efficiency, and safety for workers. The goal of office ergonomics is to create a workspace that minimizes the risk of discomfort, musculoskeletal disorders, and other health issues that can result from prolonged or awkward postures, repetitive motions, and inadequate workstation design.

The primary purpose of office ergonomics awareness is to prevent physical strain injuries in the workplace. Physical strain injuries can be caused by repetitive movements, awkward postures, forceful exertions, or sustained static loading. Examples of such injuries include musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendonitis, and back pain. These injuries can cause discomfort, reduce productivity, and in severe cases, lead to long-term disabilities.

Moreover, physical strain injuries can be costly to employers. According to the Association of Workers' Compensation Boards of Canada, in 2019, MSDs accounted for 42% of all compensated time-loss claims in Canada. This amounted to approximately $5.3 billion in claim costs and other associated expenses. Thus, by preventing physical strain injuries, office ergonomics awareness can help reduce absenteeism, improve productivity, and lower healthcare costs.

What are work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs)?

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries and illnesses that affect the musculoskeletal system, which includes the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, and blood vessels. These disorders are caused or aggravated by work-related factors, such as repetitive motions, awkward postures, forceful exertions, and sustained static loading.

Examples of WMSDs include

• carpal tunnel syndrome,
• tendinitis,
• tennis elbow,
• trigger finger, and
• back pain.

WMSDs can cause discomfort, reduce productivity, and in severe cases, lead to long-term disabilities.

What are the symptoms of WMSDs?

The symptoms of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) can vary depending on the type and severity of the disorder, as well as the affected body part. Some common symptoms of WMSDs include:

• Pain or discomfort in the affected body part
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Swelling or inflammation
• Tingling or numbness
• Weakness or loss of muscle function
• Fatigue or tiredness
• Reduced grip strength
• Headaches or migraines

It's important to note that symptoms may develop gradually over time and may worsen with continued exposure to the work-related risk factors. It's essential to recognize the symptoms of WMSDs early on and seek treatment to prevent further damage and improve overall quality of life.

OFFICE ERGONOMICS LEGISLATION

What is the federal legislation?

In Canada, there is currently no federal legislation specifically regarding office ergonomics. However, the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) provides guidelines for office ergonomics that are based on research, best practices, and industry standards. These guidelines cover topics such as computer workstations, seating, lighting, and manual tasks.

Employers in Canada have a legal responsibility under the Canada Labour Code and the respective provincial and territorial legislation to ensure a safe and healthy work environment for their employees (Source: Government of Canada,Canada Labour Code, URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/L-2/page-1.html). This includes addressing the risks associated with work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) that can result from poor ergonomic practices. Many employers choose to adopt the CCOHS guidelines or other recognized standards and best practices for office ergonomics to meet their legal obligations and promote employee health and wellbeing

The employer shall, in consultation with and with the participation of the policy committee, or, if there is no policy committee, the work place committee or the health and safety representative, develop, implement and monitor a program for the prevention of hazards, including ergonomics-related hazards, in the work place that is appropriate to the size of the work place and the nature of the hazards (Source: Government of Canada, Guide on the prevention of Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI), URL: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/services/health-safety/reports/ergonomics/module1.html#m01_s06).

What is the provincial and territorial?

Provincial and territorial office ergonomics awareness legislation refers to the laws and regulations that govern workplace ergonomics practices in each Canadian province and territory.

Most provinces and territories have legislation that requires employers to provide a safe and healthy work environment for their employees. This includes addressing ergonomic risks in the workplace that could lead to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs).

For example, in Ontario, the Occupational Health and Safety Act requires employers to take every precaution reasonable in the circumstances to protect workers from hazards, including ergonomic hazards. The Act also requires employers to provide information, instruction, and supervision to protect workers' health and safety.

In British Columbia, the Workers Compensation Act and the Occupational Health and Safety Regulation require employers to identify and assess ergonomic risks and implement measures to control or eliminate those risks.

In Quebec, the Act Respecting Occupational Health and Safety requires employers to take the necessary measures to protect workers' health and safety, including preventing musculoskeletal disorders related to work.

Overall, provincial and territorial office ergonomics awareness legislation is intended to protect workers from the risks associated with poor ergonomic practices and to promote a safe and healthy work environment. Employers must comply with these laws and regulations to ensure they are providing a safe workplace for their employees.

OFFICE ERGONOMICS AWARENESS

What is Office Ergonomics Awareness?

Office ergonomics Awareness is a form of education that aims to promote good ergonomic practices in the workplace to prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). The training is designed to provide employees with the knowledge and skills they need to identify and address ergonomic risks in their work environment.

Who is responsible for Office Ergonomics Awareness?

Employers have a legal obligation to provide employees with information and training on occupational health and safety, including ergonomics. (Source: Justice Laws, Government of Canada, “Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (SOR/86-304)”. URL: https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-86-304/index.html, March 1986)By providing office ergonomics Awareness, employers can help reduce the risk of WMSDs and promote a safe and healthy work environment.

Who needs Office Ergonomics Awareness training?

Any industry or workplace where employees perform tasks that involve prolonged sitting, repetitive motions, or awkward postures can benefit from office ergonomics Awareness. Some examples of industries that may need office ergonomics Awareness include:

• Office-based workplaces: These include businesses, government agencies, and non-profit organizations where employees spend a significant amount of time working on computers, answering phones, and performing administrative tasks.
• Healthcare: Healthcare workers, such as nurses and physicians, often spend long hours on their feet or performing repetitive tasks, such as lifting patients or typing medical notes.
• Manufacturing: Employees in manufacturing facilities may perform tasks that involve repetitive motions or heavy lifting, which can increase the risk of WMSDs.
• Transportation: Workers in the transportation industry, such as truck drivers or pilots, may spend long hours sitting in a fixed position, which can lead to back pain and other WMSDs.
• Retail: Retail workers may spend long hours standing or performing repetitive tasks, such as scanning items at a checkout counter.
• Education: Teachers and other educational professionals may spend long hours sitting or standing while teaching, grading papers, or using a computer.

Can you do Office Ergonomics Awareness online?

This course requires only theoretical training and evaluation, making it suitable for both classroom and online formats. Online training adheres to the same standards as classroom training, ensuring that it is recognized and accepted. In fact, online training can be more convenient and efficient, as it eliminates the need for in-person attendance and allows for flexible scheduling.

Moreover, classroom trainings often have certain requirements imposed by the Ministry of Labour, such as a minimum duration of 8 hours, which may not always be necessary for the content being covered. Online training can be more efficient in this regard, as a well-designed 2-hour course can cover all the necessary material effectively.

Additionally, online training can be a more cost-effective option for employers compared to organizing in-person classroom sessions.

However, keep in mind that employers are responsible for selecting the appropriate level of training for their workplace, so it's essential to check with your employer to ensure they accept online training for this purpose.   

Where can you purchase Office Ergonomics Awareness online training?

In today’s fast-paced society, online courses have become the cheapest and most convenient solution to get your safety training done. There are many methods and providers of Office Ergonomics Awareness. With any training, it is essential to select a high-quality education provider and one that will provide the most value (best information retention in employees) for the time and money.

Ensuring your program materials are always up to date is also extremely important as the amount of health and safety regulations and enforcement is steadily increasing and constantly updating.

OFFICE ERGONOMICS AWARENESS Certificate

What do you need to learn?

Office ergonomics Awareness typically covers topics such as correct posture, proper use of equipment and tools, and how to adjust workstations to reduce the risk of WMSDs. It may also include information on the signs and symptoms of WMSDs and how to report them to management.

How long is the certificate valid?

The length of time between office ergonomics Awareness sessions will depend on various factors, including the size and complexity of the workplace, the nature of the work being performed, and any changes to the work environment or work processes that could affect ergonomic risks. Some workplaces may require office ergonomics Awareness every 3 years or biannually, while others may provide it on an as-needed basis.

How will I receive my training certificate with eSafetyFirst?

The certificate will be automatically available for printing once you complete the course and pass the quiz with a score of 80% or higher.

All our courses will come with a PDF certificate at the end of the program.

This PDF file will have two pages: a standard certificate and a wallet-size training record.

The employer should store certificates, while the employee should carry their wallet cards at all times during work.

Students who prefer to receive wallet cards in a physical format can request and purchase a physical wallet card from eSafetyFirst. This optional item is not included in the course price and will cost an additional $10 for printing and shipping.

If you do not have the time to make your laminated wallet card, you may find it rather convenient to order this card directly from us.

How can I find my certificate if I lost it?

In most cases, this question is addressed to us by individuals who took their training with a different company. As a private company, we can only store and access our customers’ data. Therefore, if you did your training with another company, you need to contact them to receive a copy of your certificate.

If you are a customer of eSafetyFirst.com, then all you have to do is to Login to your account, and you can, at any time, download a copy of the certificate you received from us.

CONCLUSION

Office Ergonomics Awareness is an important aspect of workplace safety and health in Canada. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a common and costly problem that can result in pain and disability for affected workers. However, by providing office ergonomics Awareness, employers can help reduce the risk of WMSDs and promote a safe and healthy work environment for their employees.