This study expanded on an earlier study conducted by the B.C. Safe Schools Association to determine accurate injury rates, injury duration, and costs for custodial workers, as well as to identify ergonomic risk factors for injury

The cohort study examined rates of musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) for school custodians working at a Lower Mainland school district, in relation to ergonomic and broader school environmental risk factors. The research included focus groups, a detailed breakdown of tasks performed for major job categories, and ergonomic assessments of the tasks. Using these data, a job exposure matrix was constructed. Injury outcomes were obtained through injury incident reports. Separate analyses were conducted for both the school year and the summer periods

School custodians employed at the school district had an injury rate four times greater than the school district’s overall rate. About half the injuries among cohort members were MSIs. The report recommends strategies to improve the prevention of MSIs in school custodial work