Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain the leading cause of workplace injuries, accounting for a significant portion of workers’ compensation costs and lost workdays. Estimates are that MSDs are approximately 30% of all nonfatal injuries resulting in days away from work. That is significant!
The core elements (Recent Summary of Occupational Injuries and Illnesses) are foundational to preventing MSDs. Prevention requires a safety management systems approach to incorporate the core elements into day-to-day business operations:
- It takes executive and management support to ensure an effective program plan with goals, design, and resources.
- Employees should be involved in all aspects such as, identifying hazards and solutions, planning, and conducting assessments.
- Awareness level training is important for employees and managers in all areas of the facility. Train-the-Trainer is needed for establishing an ergonomic team and the safety committee.
- A policy should be established that includes early reporting of hazards and symptoms to reduce serious consequences.
- Evaluating implemented solutions for outcomes, and a feedback loop ensure continuous improvement.
There are many solution options to address ergonomic concerns in
- offices,
- labs,
- warehouses, and
- manufacturing areas.
Following the hierarchy of controls will guide you through finding solutions. We are happy to consult regarding ergonomic risk factors and solutions for prevention. Also, there are now advanced technologies using AI- powered ergonomic tools to analyze risk factors such as movement, repetition, force, and posture.
We have several blogs that may be helpful.
Case Study
Comfort While Working
Photo by: ergonofis-DwmuiyTOrvQ-unsplash