Workplace-based research to improve well-being and performance: Its role in Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Prevention Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders CRE-MSD Presented by Richard Wells, M.Eng., Ph.D., CCPE University of Waterloo

Meeting Objectives  introduce CRE-MSD  the role of workplace-based research in your decision making  we want the voice of industry to be represented in our decision making

Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders CRE-MSD receives support from the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, Research Advisory Council Workshops and Conferences: Web Site: Build Research Capacity: Stakeholder Interactions: Activities Starter Grants: Internships:

Issues? High demand occupations, Lack of skilled workers, Aging workforce, Performance/ productivity Compensation and replacement costs

A Story… A manager in the transportation sector is having difficulty recruiting drivers. He is restricted to the pool of applicants who are capable of the high physical demands placed upon truck drivers. He is also having trouble in scheduling as many of his most experienced drivers have some restrictions due to pains and strains. There is a shortage of skilled drivers.

MSD “Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system… …where exposure to various risk factors in the workplace… …may have either contributed to the disorders' development, or aggravated a pre-existing condition” (OHSCO MSD Strategy Development Committee, 2005)

MSD Facts For the period , MSD accounted for:  (a) more than 40% of all lost time claims;  (b) more than 48% of all claim-related lost time days; and,  (c) more than 42% of all lost time benefit claim costs (averaged over the period).  Source: WSIB’s Information Warehouse and Prevention Strategy For Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) In Ontario

MSD burden Office Environment. In the last year due to MSD… Lost days at work Pain > 12 times or > 7 days in last year, moderate intensity Reported to workplace Saw health practitioner Work aggravates pain to some extent Any neck or upper limb pain 15% 20% 22% 29% 51% 60% Polanyi et al 1997

Impacts of MSDs Amongst the 51% of office workers who reported that their neck and upper limb pain was aggravated by work: 7% had difficulty sticking to their work routine or schedule7% had difficulty sticking to their work routine or schedule 9% had difficulty concentrating on work9% had difficulty concentrating on work 16% had difficulty using pens, computer keyboards etc. for at least half of the workday16% had difficulty using pens, computer keyboards etc. for at least half of the workday Not only is there a burden on the individual, but there is an decrease in their output… “Presentee-ism” Polanyi et al 1997

Solutions not Problems! Workplace based research has identified the burden and workplace causes of MSD. But can workplace based research help address the problem??

Anecdote-based prevention? Back Belts were heavily marketed as preventing low back pain BUT Epidemiological studies show belts have little or no effect on low back pain Laboratory studies show belts have little effect on spinal loading

Anecdote-based prevention? Without workplace research, organizations would continue to waste time and resources on ineffective solutions, time and resources that could be better spent

Evidence based prevention  Mechanical lift- assists installed in acute and chronic care facilities  Earlier return to work when lift assists used  Newer ceiling lifts likely to produce even larger reductions Evanoff et al 2003, Engst et al 2005

Workplace-based research shows: For prevention of MSD:  Training alone not a solution  Equipment alone not a solution  Policy alone not a solution  Policy, equipment and training needed  Using a coordinated strategy, address workplace physical, cognitive or work organizational risks then train specifically

Who benefits from MSD prevention?  Workers whose symptoms developed as a direct result of current work  Workers who have cumulative damage from previous work experiences  Workers who developed back pain after a weekend’s yard work or caring for their small children… they have responsibilities outside work.  Workers who have age-related changes

Don’t reinvent the wheel! MSD Prevention Health Promotion Stress Prevention AB C D F Production Engineering For example: A) Reduce vibration B) Improve manual materials handling for slips and falls C) Maintain adequate lighting for tasks D) Improve social support for accommodation E) Design for lower forces and improved postures E SafetyOccupational Hygiene

A Story…. continued  The organization is now embarking on a process of identifying and modifying the highest demand activities  The goal is to retain skilled and aging workers as well as expand their applicant pool to select drivers that can not only handle the physical demands but excel in safe driving as well as customer relations We are working with many companies to track the effects of their strategy

Benefits of workplace based research… Organizations get results that are relevant to their specific challenges. Organizations get direct access to most recent findings on workplace health. Researchers increase their knowledge about workplaces. Researches find out what organizations need Researchers gain confidence that findings are transferable and relevant to workplaces

Ontario Research Partners  IWH, CRE-MSD, CRE-OD, CREIDO  Institute for Work & Health;  Centre of Research Expertise for the Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders;  Centre of Research Expertise for Occupational Diseases  Centre of Research Expertise for Improved Disability Outcomes. (one more is being funded for Occupational Cancers)  Funded by WSIB  Perform workplace-based research into occupational health & safety in collaboration with workplaces