Has your workplace found a practical way to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? If so, the 2026 Ontario Ergonomics Case Study Competition wants to hear from you.

The competition invites submissions detailing real-world case studies that show how ergonomic hazards are being identified, assessed and controlled. The purpose is to build a stronger collection of practical examples that other workplaces can learn from, while recognizing the people and organizations taking action to prevent MSDs.

MSDs can affect muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves and other soft tissues. They are often linked to hazards such as repetitive work, awkward postures, forceful exertions, heavy lifting, vibration, poor workstation design, poorly organized work and work that doesn’t allow enough recovery time.

These hazards can cause serious pain, long-term injury and life-changing health effects.

How to get involved

To enter, participants complete the Case Study Template and submit it by email to info@msdprevention.com. Submissions should include the participant’s full name, category and entry level.

Entries close August 31, 2026.

Judging will take place in September 2026, and winners will be recognized on October 1, 2026 at the CRE-MSD conference.

Selected case studies may also be promoted through the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario website, with consent. Competition winners may also have the option to work with CRE-MSD to develop a short video showcasing their case study.

Workplace solutions deserve attention

The competition includes three entry levels: workplace, professional and student.

The workplace level is open to employers, supervisors, joint health and safety committee members, worker health and safety representatives, union representatives and others directly connected to the work being done.

Workers often know which tasks cause strain, which tools are difficult to use, which workstations create awkward postures, and which processes make the job harder on the body. Their participation can help ensure solutions are practical, effective and more likely to last.

A strong workplace case study doesn’t need to involve expensive technology or a major redesign. It could include changes to workstation layout, improved material handling methods, better tools, task redesign, changes to work pace, improved storage, mechanical assists, job rotation, or other measures that help control ergonomic hazards.

The key is to explain the hazard, describe the solution and show how workers were involved.

Looking for ergonomics training this summer? Register today.

Competition categories

Participants can submit case studies under three categories.

1. Hazard Control Solutions focus on interventions that eliminate or control MSD hazards. These entries are judged on hazard control, worker involvement, business impact and innovation.
2. Program Solutions focus on applying the MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario’s 10-step framework. These entries are judged on performance objectives, worker involvement and program sustainability.
3. Small Business entries focus on applying the Quick Start Guideline in workplaces with fewer than 50 employees. Submissions can include examples of improvements already made or efforts currently underway.

Prevention starts with hazard recognition

Effective MSD prevention starts by identifying the workplace hazards contributing to strain, pain and injury.

Focusing on hazards helps workplace parties ask more direct prevention questions:

• What part of the task is causing strain?
• Which workers are exposed?
• Can the work be redesigned?
• Can the hazard be eliminated?
• If the hazard can’t be eliminated, what controls are needed?

This keeps attention where it belongs: on the work being performed, the conditions workers face and the changes needed to prevent injury.

Enter the competition today: https://msdprevention.com/competition2026

Build your ergonomics knowledge and skills this July

Workplace parties looking to strengthen their MSD prevention efforts can also take part in two WHSC virtual ergonomics courses in July. Both courses are three hours long and cost $75 per participant.

• Ergonomic Toolbox – Virtual
  July 10
  9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
  This course offers practical tools for identifying ergonomic hazards and looking at how work can be adjusted to reduce strain. It can help workplace parties better understand where ergonomic concerns may exist and what kinds of solutions may be available.


• Ergonomics and MSDs – Virtual
  July 10
  1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
  This course helps joint health and safety committees recognize, assess and control factors that contribute to MSDs. Participants review common MSDs, symptoms and health effects, explore how job demands and workplace components can contribute to injury, and learn how ergonomics can help reduce strain so workers can complete tasks more comfortably and safely.

Register today: https://www.whsc.on.ca/Training/Training-Registration/Ergonomics-Training

Other ergonomic resources

For workplaces looking to strengthen their MSD prevention efforts, WHSC’s Ergonomics Resources offer practical information to support better decision-making, stronger worker participation and a clearer business case for prevention.

• The economics of ergonomics
  This resource helps workplace parties make the case for ergonomic prevention. It explains that MSDs come with direct, indirect and less visible costs, while many ergonomic interventions are low in cost and can lead to sustained savings, improved productivity, better quality and reduced compensation-related costs.


• Participatory ergonomics
  This resource explains the value of involving workers directly in MSD prevention. It highlights how worker participation can help identify hazards, shape practical solutions and support stronger results. It also highlights the significant financial returns from participatory ergonomics programs, including one example where every dollar spent saved $5.50 over four years.

Need more information? 
Contact a WHSC Training Services Representative in your area.
Email: contactus@whsc.on.ca
Visit: whsc.on.ca
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