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).
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:
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:
These injuries can result in pain, limited mobility, and long recovery times, making it difficult for affected workers to return to their usual duties.
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:
Add in an aging workforce, inadequate ergonomic setups, or understaffed teams, and the likelihood of injury increases.
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:
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:
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:
FCEs are especially useful in validating self-reported symptoms and establishing measurable benchmarks.
Prevention is also part of the picture. Ergonomic assessments help employers adjust workstations, tools, and workflows to reduce the risk of injury recurrence.
We work with a trusted network of physicians, physiotherapists, chiropractors, and occupational therapists who specialize in musculoskeletal injuries.
Our assessors are:
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.