Preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMDs)

What is a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD)?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, ligaments, blood vessels and spinal discs. They can affect many different parts of the body including the upper and lower back, neck, shoulders and the arms, legs, feet and hands. Carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, tenosynovitis and bursitis, hernias and back pain are common MSDs.

Work-related MSDs (WMSDs) are caused by conditions in the work environment and the amount of job-related stresses or workplace risk factors present. These stresses and risk factors are closely related to the positioning of the body and the type of physical work that must be done to complete a job. Having to maintain a fixed or awkward posture, having to exert force, having to constantly repeat the same movements, experiencing constant, strong vibration or having to handle heavy items are all contributing factors.

Symptoms of MSDs

Common symptoms of musculoskeletal disorders may include the following:

• • Recurrent pain

• • Dull aches

• • Stiff, painful joints

• • Swelling

• • Numbness or tingling

• • Weakness in a specific area

• • Loss of finger dexterity associated with vibration-related injuries.

Preventing MSDs

Fortunately, there are feasible means of addressing and reducing workplace risks associated with the development or aggravation of WMSDs.

Many companies have implemented or have been forced by law to implement ergonomic programmes and effective ergonomic interventions to help reduce MSDs. Ergonomics, the study of the relationship between people and their work environments, helps employers to design safe workplaces, equipment and tools that fit individual capabilities and limitations so people can do their jobs without being injured.

A good ergonomics programme implemented by the employer should consist of:

• • Worksite analysis

• • Hazard prevention and control

• • Medical management

• • Training and education.

Ergonomics include everything from how a secretary’s work station, desk and chair is designed to how tools and other heavy equipment are made and designed to get certain jobs done. The positions you work in and the movements you make (sitting, standing, bending, pushing, pulling, etc.) are key parts of ergonomics. These are the things over which you have control and that you can change or have rectified to prevent injury to yourself or others.

Here are some common ways to help prevent MSDs:

• • Exercise. Regular strengthening exercises and stretching can help keep bones, joints and muscles strong and prevent injuries.

• • Keep your weight in check to minimise pressure on your back, joints and ligaments.

• • Re-organise your own workstation to make it ergonomically safe.

• • Avoid lifting; rather use material handling systems.

• • If you absolutely have to; bend the knees and not at the waist when picking up things.

• • Don’t twist while lifting or carrying a load; you may just injure your back.

• • Don’t sit or stand for too long at a stretch, and shift positions every so often.

• • Select tools carefully. The tool must fit the job and neither be too small, nor too heavy or too light.

• • Make use of any protective gear supplied, for example gloves designed to protect against vibration.

Pay attention to how your body feels when you’re working and try to identify what causes pain, numbness or other problems. Don’t ignore these symptoms, have them seen to. Work with your employer to create a workplace that’s free of ergonomic hazards that cause WRMDs.

 

Sources

Ergonomics and the workplace. Retrieved from: http://www.reliableplant.com/
Prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders. 2014. Retrieved from; https://www.osha.gov
What are musculoskeletal disorders? Retrieved from: http://www.healthline.com/
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD) prevention. Retrieved from: http://www.cdc.gov