1 Preventing Injuries and Illnesses Series Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)

2 Definition of MSD Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system that are caused or aggravated by risk factors or hazards in the workplace. The musculoskeletal system includes muscles, tendons and tendon sheathes, nerves, bursa, blood vessels joints and ligaments. MSDs are not the direct result of a sudden single event involving an external source (e.g. fall, vehicle collision, violence)

3 Other names that have been used for MSD Repetitive strain injuries Repetitive motion injuries Cumulative trauma disorders Occupational Overuse syndrome Soft tissue disorders Sprains and strains Musculoskeletal injuries

4 Hidden Cost of Injuries Over 40% of all WSIB claims are MSD Average MSD claim cost is $9,200 Estimated cost to company: $27,600 per injury How much revenue would you have to make to pay for 1 injury?

5 MSD Risk Factors/Hazards The main MSD hazards include: Force Fixed or Awkward Posture Repetition + + = RISK

6 MSD Risk Factors/Hazards Force is the amount of effort exerted by the muscles The MSD risk associated with force increases as: the amount of force required increases the posture used gets more awkward the number and/or speed of repetitions increases, the length of time the force is exerted increases.

7 MSD Risk Factors/Hazards Fixed or Awkward Postures Shoulder postures Wrist postures Back postures Neck postures

8 MSD Risk Factors/Hazards Repetition involves using the same muscles, tendons, joints etc, repeatedly, with few breaks or chances for rest. The MSD risk associated with repetition increases as: the number and/or speed of actions increases the levels of force increases the joints of the body move farther away from the neutral position, and the length of time without a break increases.

9 Contributing Factors Tools & Equipment Job Design Workplace Design Environment Worker

10 Job Design DO design jobs with: a variety of tasks that use different parts of the body and allow the worker to use their knowledge /skills good pace with recovery time DO NOT design jobs with: little task variety that use few body positions with awkward, forceful, repetitive movements or quickly become monotonous / boring allowing for little need for workers to make decisions too fast a pace

11 Workplace Design - Sitting DO: Choose right chair for the task Choose an adjustable chair with 5 legs Adjust for body size and workstation height Office chairIndustrial chair Diagram: CCOHS

12 Workplace Design - Standing DO: adjust working heights for type of work and size of worker

13 Workplace Design - Reaches DO place items used most often closest DO Use neutral body positions with the opportunity to move around and stretch frequently DO minimize bending, twisting, and reaching behind or overhead Diagram: CCOHS

14 Tools & Equipment DO: Use equipment that helps maintain good body positions Select the right tool for the job Use tools that fit your hand DO NOT: Use tools that compress palm of hand or vibrate Use tools that are dull or in poor repair Diagram: CCOHS

15 Environment DO consider environmental factors like: Cold temperatures Lighting Vibration Diagram: CCOHS

16 Does your workplace have MSD hazards? Things workers do when they have MSD: Modify tools and workstations to make them more comfortable (e.g. wrap on handles, padding on seats) Wear splints or supports Massage muscles or joints or shake limbs Avoid certain jobs or tasks because they know it hurts

17 Does your workplace have MSD hazards? Things workers say: “My hands fall asleep” “My arms are weak and heavy” “My muscles seem to be cramping a lot” “My fingers seem to swell in the morning” “My hands turn white with cold” “My shoulders and back hurt” “My neck is stiff and it hurts t turn my head”

18 Does your workplace have MSD hazards? Tools & Equipment Job Design Workplace Design Environment Worker Recognize hazards by asking questions about:

19 What can employers do to manage MSD Prevention? Take a systematic approach Follow the Five Steps to Managing Health & Safety

20 Set Standards What are your expectations for MSD prevention? Are the resources available to meet your expectations?

21 Communicate Who needs to know what about MSD prevention? How will you communicate? What language will you communicate in? Has the message been understood?

22 Train Who needs to be trained? What training do they need? How will it be provided? Was training effective?

23 Evaluate Are standards being followed? Are they still appropriate or should they be updated?

24 Acknowledge Success Are people who contribute to MSD prevention recognized? Are improvements needed?

25 What can workers do about MSD? Ask questions if they are not sure - ask for training Adjust workstations for their own needs Know the symptoms and report problems early Participate with the JHSC/H&S Representative Provide ideas for changes to work methods, workstation design etc

26 Who can help? Health & Safety Associations: Prevention Dynamics Portal Ministry of Labour Ministry of Labour website Workplace Safety & Insurance Board WSIB website

27 Next Steps Raise awareness and enlist support from workers Review work practices Review injury history Contact manufacturer for input/upgrades Make appropriate changes to organization standards