Every year, thousands of Canadians are injured at work - but when it comes to the most common type of workplace injury, one category stands out year after year: musculoskeletal injuries (MSKs).
Understanding the Most Common Cause - and How Assessments Can Help
Also known as soft tissue injuries, MSK injuries account for over 40% of all lost-time claims in Canada, according to the Association of Workers’ Compensation Boards of Canada (AWCBC). These injuries are not only widespread - they’re also costly, both in human and financial terms.
At IMA Solutions, we see the impact of MSK injuries every day. That’s why we’re taking a closer look at:
- What musculoskeletal injuries are and why they’re so common
- What types of assessments are critical for recovery and return to work
- How our experienced assessors help manage these cases with objectivity and clarity
What Are Musculoskeletal Injuries?
Musculoskeletal injuries affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, and nerves. They’re often caused by repetitive motion, overexertion, awkward postures, or sudden strain - and they can happen across all industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to office work.
Some common musculoskeletal injuries include:
- Lower back strain
- Shoulder injuries (e.g., rotator cuff tears)
- Neck pain or whiplash
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Knee or hip strains
- Tendonitis or bursitis
These injuries can result in pain, limited mobility, and long recovery times, making it difficult for affected workers to return to their usual duties.
Why Are MSKs the Most Reported Workplace Injury?
Musculoskeletal injuries are so prevalent because they’re tied directly to the physical demands of work. Whether it’s lifting heavy objects, standing for long hours, or even prolonged computer use, many job tasks put strain on the body over time.
Certain sectors are at especially high risk, including:
- Health care (e.g., lifting or transferring patients)
- Manufacturing and warehousing
- Construction and trades
- Transportation
- Administrative roles involving long hours at a desk
Add in an aging workforce, inadequate ergonomic setups, or understaffed teams, and the likelihood of injury increases.
How Do Assessments Help?
When a musculoskeletal injury occurs, a timely and objective assessment is key to ensuring proper care and guiding safe return-to-work decisions.
We offer a range of assessments tailored to musculoskeletal injuries:
Independent Medical Examinations (IMEs)
An IME provides an objective medical opinion about the diagnosis, prognosis, and functional limitations of the injured worker. Conducted by a specialist (such as an orthopedic surgeon, physiatrist, or sports medicine physician), this assessment helps clarify:
- Whether the injury is work-related
- If the condition has reached maximum medical improvement (MMI)
- What treatment or restrictions are appropriate
- Whether the worker is fit to return to work
Functional Capacity Evaluations (FCEs)
An FCE evaluates a worker’s physical abilities through a series of tests that simulate workplace tasks - lifting, carrying, standing, and more. FCEs help determine:
- Whether the individual can safely return to their job
- If modified duties are needed
- Whether permanent restrictions apply
FCEs are especially useful in validating self-reported symptoms and establishing measurable benchmarks.
Ergonomic Assessments
Prevention is also part of the picture. Ergonomic assessments help employers adjust workstations, tools, and workflows to reduce the risk of injury recurrence.
Meet the Experts: Our Assessors
We work with a trusted network of physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and occupational therapists who specialize in musculoskeletal injuries.
Our assessors are:
- Objective – We provide unbiased opinions backed by evidence.
- Experienced – Our team includes orthopedic surgeons, physical medicine and rehab (PM&R) specialists, and other professionals who assess MSK injuries daily.
- Report-ready – Our reports are clear, defensible, and aligned with legal and insurer requirements.
Whether the injury is recent or chronic, straightforward or complex, we tailor our assessments to deliver the insights needed for effective case resolution.
Musculoskeletal injuries are the leading cause of workplace injury claims in Canada - and they’re also among the most misunderstood. Without clear, timely assessments, workers can be left in limbo, and employers may struggle to plan safe returns or defend claims.
We’re here to help simplify the process. With comprehensive evaluations and evidence-based recommendations, we support better outcomes for everyone involved.
Need help managing a musculoskeletal injury? Get in touch with us.
