Musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs] affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments and tendons. Workers in many different industries and occupations can be exposed to risk factors at work, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Exposure to these known
risk factors for MSDs increases a worker's risk of injury. Work-related MSDs can be prevented. Ergonomics --- fitting a job to a person --- helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity and reduces the number and severity of work-related MSDs. Work-related MSDs are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time. Employers are responsible for providing a safe and
healthful workplace for their workers. In the workplace, the number and severity of MSDs resulting from physical overexertion, and their associated costs, can be substantially reduced by applying ergonomic principles. Implementing an ergonomic process is effective in reducing the risk of developing MSDs in high-risk industries as diverse as construction, food processing, firefighting, office jobs, healthcare, transportation and warehousing. The following are important elements of an
ergonomic process: Note: An ergonomic process uses the principles of a safety
and health program to address MSD hazards. Such a process should be viewed as an ongoing function that is incorporated into the daily operations, rather than as an individual project.Ergonomics
Overview
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace
Examples of Musculoskeletal Disorders [MSDs]
- Carpal tunnel syndrome
- Tendinitis
- Rotator cuff injuries [affects the shoulder]
- Epicondylitis [affects the elbow]
- Trigger finger
- Muscle strains and low back injuries
Existing Guidelines
OSHA
- Beverage Distribution Hazard Alert Letter. OSHA, [August 18, 2011].
- Solutions for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Foundries. OSHA Publication 3465, [2012].
- Guidelines for Nursing Homes: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. OSHA Publication 3182, [2003, Revised March 2009].
- Guidelines for Shipyards: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. OSHA Publication 3341, [2008].
- Guidelines for Retail Grocery Stores: Ergonomics for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders. OSHA Publication 3192, [2004].
- Prevention of Musculoskeletal Injuries in Poultry Processing [EPUB | MOBI]. OSHA Publication 3213, [2004, Revised 2013]. Also available in Spanish [EPUB | MOBI].
- Ergonomics Program Management Guidelines for Meatpacking Plants. OSHA Publication 3123, [1993].
NIOSH
- Evaluation of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Other Musculoskeletal Disorders at a Poultry Processing Plant. NIOSH Health Hazard Evaluation [HHE] Report 2014-0040-3232 [March 2015, Revised June 2015].
- High Prevalence of Carpal Tunnel Syndrome in Poultry Plant Workers. NIOSH Science Blog, [April 6, 2015].
- Ergonomic Solutions for Retailers: Prevention of Material Handling Injuries in the Grocery Sector [PDF]. DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 2015-100, [October 2014].
- Ergonomic Guidelines for Manual Material Handling [PDF]. DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 2007-131, [2007].
- A Guide to Selecting Non-Powered Hand Tools [PDF]. DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 2004-164, [2004]. Also available in Spanish.
- Elements of Ergonomics Programs: A Primer Based on Workplace Evaluations of Musculoskeletal Disorders [PDF]. Publication No. 97-117, [March 1997].
High Risk Occupations for MSDs
- Registered nurses, nursing assistants and psychiatric aides
- Firefighters and prevention workers
- Laborers and freight, stock and material movers
- Janitors and cleaners
- Heavy and tractor-trailer truck drivers
- Refuse and recyclable material collectors
- Stock clerks and order fillers
- Maids and housekeeping cleaners
- Light truck or delivery services drivers
- Telecommunications line installers and repairers
- Bus drivers, transit and intercity
- Production workers
- Police and sheriff patrol officers
- Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers
- Plumbers, pipefitters and steamfitters
- Maintenance and repair workers, general
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Economic News Release