Ergonomic measures adapt tasks, tools and environments to the people who use them. A well-designed work station can help prevent injury, reduce fatigue and improve day-to-day comfort.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) like neck, back, shoulder or wrist pain can occur when ergonomics are neglected. These problems can develop gradually and affect a person’s health and ability to work.
Your rights
Workplaces under federal jurisdiction (Canada)
Federal public service workers are protected by Part II of the Canada Labour Code (CLC II), which explicitly requires the employer to prevent workplace injuries.
The employer must:
- provide a safe work environment;
- identify and mitigate ergonomic risks;
- educate and train all employees;
- prevent accidents and occupational diseases.
The aim is to be proactive by adapting work stations to employees’ needs.
Hazard Prevention Program (CLC II s. 125 (z.03) and COHSR part XIX)
Part XIX of the Canada Occupational Health and Safety Regulations (COHSR) requires employers to develop and implement a program for preventing workplace hazards, including ergonomics-related hazards, that includes the following components:
- an implementation plan;
- a hazard identification and assessment methodology;
- hazard identification and assessment;
- preventive measures;
- employee training; and
- a program evaluation.
Canadian ergonomics standards
The CSA Z1004:12 standard is an important ergonomics reference document that provides clear guidelines for:
- designing and laying out work stations;
- identifying and reducing ergonomic risks;
- preventing MSDs;
- integrating ergonomics into health and safety management.
The standard lays out a comprehensive preventive approach that complements legal requirements.
To learn more, visit the CCOHS website.
Laws and regulations: CLC II: Canada Labour Code Part II
Workplaces under provincial jurisdiction (Quebec
In Quebec, the employer’s obligations are set out in the Act respecting occupational health and safety (AOHS).
Those obligations include:
- providing safe and ergonomic work stations;
- reducing repetitive movements and awkward postures;
- adapting how work is organized;
- implementing corrective measures to address risks.
The aim is to protect workers’ health while continuously improving working conditions.
Ergonomics and the AOHS (s. 51)
The employer must consider ergonomic factors when:
- designing work stations;
- selecting work tools and methods;
- organizing work;
- training workers.
Specifically, the employer must:
- provide safe and ergonomic work environments;
- ensure work procedures are free from hazards;
- identify and eliminate risks;
- provide adapted equipment;
- offer adequate training and information.
Ergonomic measures are a core pillar of prevention.
Detailed requirements under the RRHS
The Regulation respecting occupational health and safety (RRHS) details the obligations set out in the AOHS.
It covers things like:
- manual material handling;
- height of work equipment;
- location of tools and equipment;
- access to suitable working positions (sitting or standing);
- breaks and recovery.
It also covers ambient working conditions, including lighting.
The RRHS lays out concrete ways to implement ergonomic principles in the workplace.
Employer responsibilities
The responsibilities
Regardless of jurisdiction, employers are required to reduce ergonomic risks and protect workers’ health.
They must, among other things:
- provide adjustable furniture (chairs, desks, footrests);
- offer ergonomic equipment (screens, keyboards, mice);
- evaluate work stations as needed;
- encourage breaks and changes in posture;
- adapt work tasks in the event of pain or other limitations.
Ergonomic measures are essential for prevention, not a luxury.
To learn more, visit the CNESST website.
Laws and regulations:
Tips to make your work station more ergonomic
Tips from the CNESST
A few simple precautions can make a real difference :
- keep your feet flat on the floor;
- adjust the chair so your elbows are at a 90-degree angle;
- position the screen at eye level;
- rest your back against the chair’s backrest;
- avoid staying in the same position for long periods;
- take regular breaks.
Quick guide to properly adjusting and setting up your workstation
An ergonomist can be especially helpful when :
During major changes, such as when:
- rearranging or expanding work premises;
- relocating;
- purchasing or replacing equipment;
- introducing new technology;
- changing work procedures.
In straightforward cases, internal adjustments suffice.
For complex situations, a specialized analysis is recommended.
The three domains of ergonomics
To be effective, an approach must combine these three dimensions.
1. Physical ergonomics
Physical ergonomics focuses on the body and physical demands.
- Postures
- Repetitive movements
- Efforts
- Workstation layout
2. Cognitive ergonomics
Cognitive ergonomics, on the other hand, focuses on mental processes.
- Mental workload
- Concentration
- Stress
- Decision-making
3. Ergonomie organisationnelle
Finally, organizational ergonomics focuses on work structure.
- Task distribution
- Schedules
- Communication
- Work methods
To be effective, an approach must combine these three dimensions.
An ergonomist can be especially helpful during major changes, such as when:
- rearranging or expanding work premises;
- relocating;
- purchasing or replacing equipment;
- introducing new technology;
- changing work procedures.
The ergonomist can:
- define purchase and design criteria;
- adapt work stations and procedures;
- ensure solutions take actual work tasks into account.
The aim is to raise workplace efficiency while also improving safety and well-being.
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)
What is a Musculoskeletal Disorder?
Musculoskeletal disorders are a group of problems affecting the structures that allow the body to move, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, and sometimes nerves and blood vessels.
Which areas of the body are most affected?
MSDs mainly affect the:
- back;
- neck;
- upper limbs (hands, wrists, arms, elbows, shoulders);
- lower limbs (feet, knees, legs, hips).
What does an MSD feel like?
Symptoms vary from person to person and may include pain, discomfort, loss of strength, stiffness, tingling or numbness. In some cases, the pain can become intense and enduring, to the point of limiting daily activities.
How does an MSD develop?
MSDs usually develop gradually, but they can also be caused by impact or trauma. They generally result from excessive strain preventing a part of the body from recovering properly.
What causes MSDs?
Unlike with toxic substances, it is very difficult to determine the exact threshold of harm when it comes to MSDs.
MSDs arise through a combination of risk factors related to workplace conditions, such as working in a position that pushes the body’s limits.
When these risk factors are more intense, frequent or prolonged, an MSD is more likely to develop.
The main risk factors include:
Awkward postures
Some positions, such as crouching, push joints close to their limit or require you to fight gravity.
Effort and force
- Force refers to the energy required to execute a movement.
- Effort refers to the level of exertion needed to use that force.
- Several elements factor into effort, including intensity, how an object is gripped, the posture held, and the person’s capacities.
Static postures
A type of effort where the muscles remain continuously contracted to hold a position without breaks (e.g., keeping the arms raised for a long time).
Physical stress
Examples include vibration, cold, shocks, impacts and mechanical pressure.
- Vibrations, shocks and impacts can cause repetitive strain.
- Cold reduces blood circulation, especially in the extremities.
- Contact stress occurs when parts of the body are compressed against hard surfaces, such as a table, tool or machine.
Repetition and lack of variation
Repeating the same gestures constantly places the same demands on the same parts of the body, fatiguing and overworking those structures.
Organizational factors
Workload, rhythm, scheduling, stress and work environment can all have a physical impact.
Work organization significantly affects other factors, including posture, effort and repetition. Stress can increase muscle tension, which can further strain the body.
Need help?
You have a right to a safe working environment. If your work station is causing you pain or discomfort:
✓ Talk to your manager.
✓ Get in touch with your union representative.
✓ Notify your Health and Safety Committee.