Researchers: Marie Bellemare (U. Laval), Louis Trudel  (U. Laval), Élise Ledoux (IRSST), Sylvie Montreuil (U. Laval)

In an exploratory study, the researchers established a link between library work activities and many musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risk factors. They documented how different choices made about missions, architecture and library work organization during a development project could contribute to the appearance of such injuries.  Based on their findings, the Association paritaire du secteur affaires municipales (APSAM), in collaboration with the CSST, produced an ergonomic guide on the redevelopment of a service counter. While continuing to promote their research results, the researchers will develop new documents with the cooperation of APSAM: an ergonomic guide to library development and technical data sheets on the most important elements for preventing MSDs in this work environment. Once again, APSAM will disseminate these publications and will use them to develop training activities. Libraries will thus have relevant tools for equipment and development choices that take into account MSD prevention.