b'WORKSAFEBCROOFING SAFETY BEYOND FALLS:How employers can prevent MSIs BY ALEXANDRA SKINNERW hile falls from heights andmayincludesprains,strainsandrepetitivemotionsandtasksrequiring struck-byinjuriesofteninflammation,whiledisordersmaysignificant force.dominatediscussionsonincludetendonitis,bursitisandcarpal The steeper the slope, the more strain construction safety, workerstunnel syndrome. is placed on the body. Feet, ankles and in the roofing business are also at highother parts of the body are forced into risk for overexertion or repetitive strainMSI RISKS IN ROOFING unnaturalpositions,especiallyduring injuries, also known as musculoskeletalRoofing work places a heavy strain onprolonged work periods.injuries (MSIs). jointsandmusclesduetorepetitiveRoofersexperiencestressinthe Over the past five years, WorkSafeBCmotions, which is the biggest risk factorback,knees,feet,anklesandneck,has accepted nearly 11,000 claims fromfor MSIs in this field. While lifting heavysays Norman.constructionworkersduetoMSIs,materials can cause acute injuries, its the with costs exceeding $215 million. Thecontinuous, repetitive nature of tasks Weather conditions can also heighten average cost per construction MSI claimsuch as bending, kneeling and climbingthe risk of injury.surpasses $21,000. thatleadstocumulativestrainandExtreme cold or wet conditions can However, employers can help preventsignificantlyincreasesthelikelihood create stability issues on sloped, slippery MSIs by understanding how commonlyof MSIs. surfaces,Normanexplains.When they occur, educating their workers andManychallengesandhazardsinroofersmovearound,carryingequip-conducting thorough risk assessments. roofingthatcontributetoMSIscomement or materials, weather becomes an from working on sloped roofs or varyingadded challenge.WHAT IS AN MSI? elevationswithdifferentslopes,says An MSI is an injury or disorder of theDanielNorman,occupationalsafetyEMPLOYER RESPONSIBILITIESmuscles,tendons,ligaments,joints,officer for WorkSafeBC. Even on theManagingriskinyourworkplace nervesorbloodvessels.Injuriesdemolition side, roofers often engage ininvolvesthinkingaboutwhatmight 14 lROOFINGBClFALL 2024'