What are Musculoskeletal disorders?
MSDs are injuries and illnesses of the soft tissues that can affect muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, joints and spinal discs. They most frequently involve the upper extremities and spine.
Why do MSDs Occur in the Workplace?
MSDs occur where the demands of the job exceed the capabilities of the person doing the job. Prolonged exposures to ergonomic risk factors can contribute to damaging a worker’s body and lead to MSDs. Jobs that require forceful exertions, awkward postures and excessive repetition are associated with an increased risk of upper limb work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and bursitis.
It is rare for a risk factor alone to cause a musculoskeletal disorder. Many of these injuries are not the result of unexpected or sudden accidents, but rather of many repeated micro-injuries whose onset are slow and may seem insignificant. Often, this situation goes unnoticed until the symptoms become chronic and the injury becomes permanent.
Each person in a workplace is unique. This diversity shows up in many ways including:
- Size and shape
- Strength and endurance
- Flexibility
- Hearing
- Eyesight
- Knowledge and experience
- Education and skill.
Because of these differences, the fact that one person can perform a job without suffering an MSD does not mean that everyone will be able to. Jobs should be designed for a variety of workers.
Typical signs and symptoms of MSDs
Many employees will not realize that signs and symptoms they experience may be related to the way their workstation is arranged, their work environment, or how their job is organized. Often these early warnings are unreported in the workplace until they develop into more serious disorders.
MSDs can cause a number of signs and symptoms including pain, numbness, tingling, stiff joints, loss of grip strength. Frequently, workers must lose time from work to recover; some never regain full health.
Problems such as musculoskeletal disorders can take days, weeks, months, or even years to develop, depending upon the employee (including his or her non work-related activities) and the work situation. Employees should not only recognize early signs and symptoms but be encouraged to report them to their supervisors. Employees should also seek medical advice, where appropriate.