Resource Articles

April 2010

The CSA draft standard Workplace Ergonomics, Z1004 is now published on the CSA website for public review.

Scope
This standard specifies requirements and provides guidance for the systematic application of ergonomics principles to the development, design, use, management and improvement of work systems. This is achieved through the implementation of an ergonomics process as outlined in this Standard and is applicable to all types and sizes of organizations. Please note that this Standard does not include aspects that could be considered part of a medical management program such as therapeutic or clinical interventions.

Your Feedback is required
This standard will possibly effect how you begin, or continue to implement, your MSD prevention program. It is important that your feedback is provided to ensure the standard will fit seamlessly into your health and safety program.

IAPA, OSSA and FSA are in the process of reviewing the standard and soliciting feedback to determine if a response is required on behalf of its member firms. The response will include technical opinions provided by IAPA, OSSA, and FSA’s ergonomists, as well as general comments including opinions (both technical and general) provided by member firms.

Submission instructions
You may comment on the CSA Z1004 Workplace Ergonomics draft standard in the following ways:

1. If you would like your organization’s comments to be considered in OSSA, IAPA and FSA’s response, please follow the submission instructions below and forward to Don Patten at ergonomics@iapa.ca If you have any questions regarding the scope of the standard, contact Don Patten via email or 1-800-406-IAPA (4272) ext. 2520.
2. If you would like to submit your comments directly to CSA online, scroll down to "Z1004 Workplace ergonomics" on the CSA Public Review web page and click on the “comments” icon to submit your feedback.

Where can I find it? (Or where do I access the standard?)
Locate the CSA Z1004 draft from the list of standards available for public review by visiting the CSA Public Review web page or downloading the CSA Z1004 Workplace Ergonomics draft standard (705 KB PDF).

Submission instructions
When submitting comments to CSA or to Don Patten please adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Organize comments in clause order (identify each clause number)
2. Identify each comment type as technical, editorial, or general
3. Proposals for change to technical content must include proposed wording and rationale for the change

Note: The draft(s) will be formatted later in the process in accordance with established guidelines. Do not submit comments on format.

Following the public review closing date, the Z1004 Technical Committee will consider all comments submitted.

Submission Due Date
Please note that this is a 60 day public review period and the closing date for CSA to receive comments is May 16, 2010.

If you are planning on submitting your responses to Don Patten at ergonomics@iapa.ca, please do so by May 10th.