WMSD's Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders, or WMSDs, are injuries to the muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints which occur or are aggravated on the job. WMSD’s are also commonly called Sprains and Strains.

WMSD's In 2005, Liberty Mutual estimated that injuries caused by excessive physical demand cost the construction industry $13.4 billion nationally.

WMSD's Also in 2005, the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries concluded that sprain and strain injuries accounted for 36% of the state’s injury claim reports (almost 50,000) at a cost of over $300 Million.

WMSD's What is a Strain? A muscle strain is the stretching or tearing of muscle fibers. Caused by overuse, sports, a sudden movement or exercise, or trying to lift something to heavy. Symptoms are pain, tightness, swelling, tenderness, and inability to move the muscle very well.

WMSD's What is a Sprain? A sprain is a stretching or tearing injury to a ligament (tissue that connects bones). Caused by sudden twisting, falling, or getting hit. Symptoms are pain, swelling, bruising, and inability to move or use the joint.

WMSD's Strains to the back, neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist or leg are common and can arise from heavy lifting, awkward postures, or repetitive motions.

WMSD's Muscle strains can occur suddenly from a one time incident such as a slip, trip or fall, or can develop from doing the same activity over time.

WMSD's Potential Health Effects: If early signs or symptoms are ignored, they can progress into more serious problems Conditions can have long-term effects on a person’s health, work, recreational options, and other aspects of life including retirement Problems may include persistent pain, pain with movement, or an inability to move limbs normally

WMSD's Risk Factor: An activity or situation which may contribute to an injury. The men and women involved in the construction industry are asked to do work requiring a great deal of strength, agility and stamina. In addition, there are many other factors that may predispose a worker to injury including; age, gender, experience, general conditioning and pre-existing injuries.

WMSD's Risk Factors for WMSD’s Job-related factors: forceful exertions during physical work, handling heavy loads, etc. Awkward postures: reaching down, reaching overhead, being in bent positions, etc. Repetitive movements: performing the same task over and over, using certain tools, etc. The men and women involved in the construction industry are asked to do work requiring a great deal of strength, agility and stamina. In addition, there are many other factors that may predispose a worker to injury including; age, gender, experience, general conditioning and pre-existing injuries.

WMSD's Personal Risk Factors for WMSD’s: Work-style Age Smoking Height & Weight General Conditioning Pre-existing Injuries The men and women involved in the construction industry are asked to do work requiring a great deal of strength, agility and stamina. In addition, there are many other factors that may predispose a worker to injury including; age, gender, experience, general conditioning and pre-existing injuries.

WMSD's What can you do about WMDSs? Educate you workers about WMSDs and the associated risk factors Help your workers to recognize WMSD symptoms Train your workers in prevention strategies which include a worksite stretching program such as this Support your workers as they take personal responsibility for their health Many construction workers are at risk for WMSD injuries. Keeping them as healthy as possible is key to optimal performance and reduced injuries. A potential strategy for reducing these injuries is to provide effective training and support for a proper worksite stretching program.

WMSD's This stretching program is designed to improve worker flexibility in as little as 8-12 minutes of stretching as part of each work day. A worksite stretching program is only one component of an effective overall safety and health program. This stretching program is designed to improve worker flexibility in as little as 8-12 minutes of stretching as part of each work day.

WMSD's The objectives of this program are to: Reduce on-the-job injuries and associated medical costs. Increase productivity and profitability Enhance workplace moral and general awareness of health and safety A worksite stretching program is only one component of an effective overall safety and health program. This stretching program is designed to improve worker flexibility in as little as 8-12 minutes of stretching as part of each work day.

Training Video Management Module: How is managements support important to the success of a stretching program? How can you help the owners/managers of your company see the value in a stretching program?

Training Video Supervisor Module: How is the support of supervisors important to the success of a stretching program? How can you help your supervisors see the value in a stretching program?

Training Video Employee Module: How do you anticipate employees will respond to a stretching program? How will you help your employees see this as a preventative step in staying healthy and keeping their jobs? How will you encourage your employees as they take personal responsibility for their safety and health?

Funding for this project was provided by a grant from the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries Safety and Health Investment Project