2/11/2026

Inspection ready: What every retail employer should know about MSDs

Common examples of musculoskeletal disorders include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Left unaddressed, these injuries can lead to long-term or even permanent disabilities.

Denise Lam

Male worker in apron in store or ladder reaching for top shelf

Workers should be able to safely climb ladders, stand in a stable position, and retrieve items without reaching overhead or leaning to one side.

Ministry of Labour, Immigration, Training and Skills Development’s (MLITSD) inspections are underway to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the retail sector.

MSDs refer to a range of aches and pains that affect the musculoskeletal system, including muscles, tendons and nerves. Common examples include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis. Left unaddressed, these injuries can lead to long-term or even permanent disabilities.

“During this inspection campaign, MLITSD ergonomists will be looking at everything related to the flow of goods through the business,” explained Laura Veldhuyzen, Specialized Consultant in Ergonomics with Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS).

In other words, everything related to receiving, unpacking, storing, transporting, stocking, point-of-sale, customer assistance and delivery will be under a watchful eye.

MLITSD ergonomists have already begun visiting Ontario retail workplaces and will continue conducting focused inspections through March 31, 2026. If you're unsure where MSD hazards exist in your workplace or how to address them, WSPS can help.

Expert guidance to keep your team safe

WSPS has developed three checklists specifically designed to identify MSD hazards in retail workplaces, from small convenience stores to grocery and big box stores. These checklists are ideal screening tools to flag issues so solutions can be implemented before a visit from a MLITSD inspector. The checklists developed break down MSD hazards into three categories:

General MSD hazards from manually handling items
Safe ladder use
Safety related to moving vehicles and equipment

We know completing checklists can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with what is listed in the checklist or what you are looking at in the workplace. That is why WSPS is also offering free workplace walkthroughs.

Taking about one to two hours, it’s an efficient way to gain an understanding of your workplace and the MSD hazards present. “With the trained eyes of a safety expert, together we will be able to pinpoint areas of concern,” Veldhuyzen said.

Participating workplaces will receive a report outlining the areas that need attention with recommendations on how to eliminate or reduce the hazard, along with links to information and resources specific to each issue.

Tips to get started

Whether you tackle MSD hazard identification yourself, or with the help of an expert, Veldhuyzen offers five tips to help workplaces get started; relatively simple things that can be implemented right away to reduce the risk of MSDs and create a safer work environment for everyone.

Consider where items are stored on shelves. Avoid reaching overhead or bending down low to pick up an item. Move heavier items to lower shelves for safer access.
Make sure walkways and aisles are clear. Remove any products, extension cords and equipment to avoid slips and trips.
Ensure the type of ladders being used are suitable for the job (e.g., step ladders, portable stairs, A-frame ladders). Workers should be able to safely climb them, stand in a stable position, and retrieve items without reaching overhead or leaning to one side.
Avoid holding or handling items while climbing up or down a ladder. Maintain three points of control as much as possible.

Provide training. Make sure workers understand what MSDs are, the risks, and how to safely use equipment and handle materials.