Which Jobs Are at the Highest Risk for Ergonomic Injuries?

A sector-by-sector breakdown—and what you can do to reduce risk

Ergonomic injuries don’t just occur in heavy industries. They show up in warehouses, hospitals, classrooms, and office towers. They develop slowly, silently, and often without warning—until they turn into chronic pain, absenteeism, or a lost-time claim.

But not all jobs carry the same level of risk. At Vergo, we’ve analyzed hundreds of job tasks using AI-powered movement assessments and identified clear trends across sectors. Certain roles, particularly those involving repetitive motion, awkward postures, and sustained physical effort, consistently show higher rates of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs).

In this post, we break down the types of jobs most at risk for ergonomic injuries in Canada, explain why they’re vulnerable, and suggest practical strategies to reduce those risks—especially when you can’t redesign the job entirely.

Healthcare: Patient Handling and Clinical Support Roles

Nurses, personal support workers, physiotherapists, and other frontline healthcare workers face some of the highest ergonomic demands of any sector. From transferring patients between beds and chairs to assisting with bathing and dressing, these workers perform forceful, awkward, and repeated movements every shift—often under time pressure and in unpredictable environments.

According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information (CIHI), more than 50% of reported workplace injuries among nurses are linked to musculoskeletal issues, particularly low-back strain.

Why it's high-risk:

• Frequent bending and twisting

• Lifting or repositioning patients

• Limited access to assistive equipment

• High emotional and physical workload

How to reduce the risk:

• Provide and encourage use of mechanical lifts and transfer devices

• Offer movement training that focuses on body mechanics and joint protection

• Rotate staff between high- and low-exertion tasks

• Conduct regular movement assessments using tools like Vergo to pinpoint risk-prone tasks
  

Warehousing, Logistics, and Fulfilment

With tight quotas, high volumes, and repetitive task design, warehouse and logistics workers are exposed to continuous ergonomic strain. Tasks such as picking, packing, loading, and scanning involve repetitive lifting, twisting, reaching, and kneeling. These motions, when performed for hours per day, put strain on the spine, shoulders, and knees.

The Workplace Safety and Insurance Board (WSIB) in Ontario reports that MSIs account for nearly 40% of all lost-time injuries in warehouse settings, often tied to lifting or pushing.

Why it's high-risk:

• High-speed, repetitive movements

• Static standing for long periods

• Lifting awkward or heavy loads

• Poorly adjusted workstations

How to reduce the risk:

• Implement lift tables, conveyor systems, and anti-fatigue mats

• Use Vergo to analyze lifting posture and reduce spinal flexion

• Encourage microbreaks and movement variety throughout the shift

• Train workers on optimal handling techniques through bite-sized video modules
  

Manufacturing and Assembly Line Roles

Assembly and production workers face risks tied to task repetition and constrained movement. Many roles involve working with tools or parts at fixed heights, leading to wrist strain, shoulder elevation, and neck tension.

A 2021 study by the Institute for Work & Health (IWH) found that prolonged static posture—particularly in standing assembly roles—was linked to increased rates of shoulder and upper back pain.

Why it's high-risk:

• Highly repetitive hand and wrist motion

• Limited ability to change posture

• Tool vibration and awkward gripping

• Standing in one spot for extended periods
  

How to reduce the risk:

• Adjust workstation height based on worker stature

• Introduce job rotation and sit-stand flexibility

• Provide padded tools and grip-friendly handles

• Use Vergo to identify postural strain and track improvement over time
  

Office and Remote Work Environments

While less physically demanding, office jobs are far from ergonomic-neutral. Prolonged sitting, poor monitor placement, unsupported wrists, and inadequate chairs can lead to cumulative injuries—especially in the neck, back, and wrists.

Since the rise of remote work, many employees continue to use kitchen chairs and makeshift setups not designed for long hours. This has led to a significant rise in complaints related to eye strain, neck stiffness, and lower back discomfort.

Why it's high-risk:

• Long periods of static sitting

• Poor monitor and keyboard alignment

• Limited awareness of posture habits

• Rare movement or posture variation

How to reduce the risk:

• Conduct virtual workstation assessments or video submissions through Vergo

• Educate employees on neutral sitting postures

• Promote regular movement through calendar nudges and stretch routines

• Offer standing desk options or monitor risers
  

Education and Childcare

Educators, early childhood workers, and classroom support staff are frequently required to kneel, squat, or sit at child-height, placing them in non-neutral postures throughout the day. Combined with frequent reaching, lifting children, and moving classroom furniture, the physical toll can be significant.

According to Safe Work Manitoba, early learning and childcare staff are among the top five sectors for workplace MSIs in the province.

Why it's high-risk:

• Frequent floor-level movement

• Repetitive bending and squatting

• Awkward lifts involving children or objects

• Low access to ergonomic supports

How to reduce the risk:

• Provide training on safe lifts and transitions from the floor

• Encourage use of stools or supportive knee pads

• Rotate responsibilities throughout the day

• Use Vergo to demonstrate posture strain and educate on alternative movement strategies
  

Final Thoughts

While ergonomic risk exists in nearly every occupation, the most vulnerable roles share common characteristics: repetitive tasks, static postures, awkward movement, and time pressure. But risk doesn’t have to translate into injury.

With proactive assessments, posture feedback, and small design changes, organizations can make a big difference. Tools like Vergo help bridge the gap by making ergonomic assessments scalable, visual, and easy to implement—across job types, sites, and experience levels.

No matter the industry, safer movement starts with awareness. And awareness starts with a closer look at how your team actually works.

References

1. Canadian Institute for Health Information. (2022). Nursing workforce trends and injury reports. https://www.cihi.ca

2. WSIB Ontario. (2023). Workplace Injury Statistics. https://www.wsib.ca/en

3. Institute for Work & Health. (2021). Standing work and MSIs. https://www.iwh.on.ca/newsletters/at-work/103/standing-at-work-linked-to-upper-body-pain

4. Safe Work Manitoba. (2022). Child care ergonomics resource guide. https://www.safemanitoba.com