Are You Hiring Your Next Injury?

Portrait of an African-American man and his nurse standing beside him

In Canada, musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) account for the majority of lost time injuries, the most costly lost-time claims, and the highest lost time work days of any type of injury. Worker’s compensation board data from various provinces show that MSDs in 2011 account for 25% to 62% of their total annual claims. According to a study (Breslin and Smith, 2012), over a 10 year period in Ontario, workers with a shorter job tenure were more at risk for an injury than those with over a year’s job experience. This was particularly true for older workers, men and those in the Goods Sector. Research provides evidence that Post-Offer Employment Testing programs are an excellent tool used to reduce musculoskeletal injuries, particularly in new hires. Post-Offer Employment tests are functional assessments, completed following a conditional offer of employment, which determine if the candidate has the physical abilities to complete the bona fide occupational requirements of the position for which they are applying.

Close up of group of multi-ethnic construction workers wearing hard hats and safety glasses. Focus on African American man (30s).