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Work Injuries
What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders include a group of conditions that
involve the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures
such as intervertebral discs. They represent a wide range
of disorders, which can differ in severity from mild periodic
symptoms to severe chronic and debilitating conditions. Examples
include carpal tunnel syndrome, tenosynovitis, tension neck
syndrome, and low back pain.
 What
Are Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSD)?
Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders are musculoskeletal
disorders caused or made worse by the work environment. WMSDs
can cause severe and debilitating symptoms such as pain, numbness,
and tingling; reduced worker productivity; lost time from
work; temporary or permanent disability; inability to perform
job tasks; and an increase in workers compensation costs.
Musculoskeletal disorders are often confused with ergonomics.
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions
and job demands to the capabilities of workers. In other words,
musculoskeletal disorders are the problem and ergonomics is
a solution.
What Are the Risk Factors for WMSDs?
Repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands;
frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of
heavy objects; prolonged awkward postures; and vibration contribute
to WMSDs. Jobs or working conditions that combine risk factors
will increase the risk for musculoskeletal problems. The level
of risk depends on how long a worker is exposed to these conditions,
how often they are exposed, and the level of exposure.
How Common Are MSDs?
Musculoskeletal disorders of any cause are among the most
prevalent medical problems, affecting 7% of the population
and accounting for 14% of physician visits and 19% of hospital
stays. When looking specifically at work-related musculoskeletal
disorders, the Bureau
of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported that in 2000 a majority
of all illness cases were due to disorders associated with
repeated trauma. This figure does not include back injuries.
BLS also reports that the number of cases of repeated trauma
has increased significantly. When looking specifically at
cases involving days away from work, for which more detailed
information is available, BLS reported that many cases were
the result of overexertion or repetitive motion. This figure
includes back injuries.
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