Oh, my aching back, wrist, shoulder …
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), such as back pain and carpel tunnel, are the most common workplace injuries.
They include strains and sprains that affect bones, joints, muscles and connective tissues and often result in pain and loss of function. They can result from factors like repetitive motions, awkward postures and heavy lifting.
These disorders are disabling and costly, impacting health care coverage expenses and lost work time.
For example, the National Safety Council estimates that employees who carry high physical loads miss 140 weeks of work over a 40-year career because of back pain.
Work-related MSDs can be prevented. One way to substantially reduce them is through ergonomics, which fits the job to the person. Here are some suggestions …
- Identify Problems: An important first step is to identify and assess ergonomic problems in the workplace before they result in MSDs.
- Involve Workers: A participatory ergonomic approach, where workers are directly involved in worksite assessments, solution development and implementation, works best.
- Provide Training: For example, teach employees, proper lifting techniques.
- Encourage Early Reporting of MSD Symptoms: This helps to prevent or reduce the progression of symptoms, the development of serious injuries and subsequent lost-time claims.
- Use ergonomic tools: Select and use tools designed to reduce strain, such as vibration-dampening power tools and proper wrist rests for computer work.
Source: National Safety Council, OSHA
We can help
Physicians Quality Care OCCMed can identify areas in your work environment that could cause musculoskeletal injuries and provide solutions to prevent them. We can also teach employees how to avoid them, such as how to lift heavy boxes. Give us a call or email. Contact Jennifer Carmack at 731-984-8400 or jennifer@physiciansqualitycare.com.
