Abstract
The principle purpose of this paper is to study about the correlation between musculoskeletal disorders and the related ergonomic risk factors. MSD (musculoskeletal disorders) being one of the most predominant causes of disability at work, it is essential to be aware of their work-related causes, risk factors and their possible preventions or controls. This has been highlighted in the paper, along with a background study of Ergonomics. A thorough knowledge of ergonomics is also applied to the understanding of MSD. The paper also throws light on the various work-related hazards, whose thorough knowledge can be of help for preventive measures.
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I Understanding Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders
According to Peter Buckle (2005), musculoskeletal disorders and their related causes are examined in detail in recent times to develop possible prevention methods. This has led workers, government employees and employers to realize that the development of the disease is somehow related to factors present within the work environment. Musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs usually result in decreased productivity and major sickness absence.
Steps have been taken to prevent the development of this particular disorder as per the guidelines mentioned in the present European Union directive framework. Devised in 1992, these directives have played a major role in increasing awareness among the public and introducing preventive measures across various sectors of the industry . It becomes possible to produce successful ergonomics interventions through various perspectives such as issues related to computers users, the greater psychological and social factors connected with these disorders, contemporary approaches for gauging the intensity of risks in the workplace.
MSDs can result in protracted and serious disability along with the imposition of heavy costs on society and employers. The ‘Securing Health Together’ program in the U.K. has made the prevention of MSDs a priority. The strategy attempts to decrease ill-health in public and employees caused or made worse through work, to improve the opportunities for work for those excluded from work on health-related grounds, to assist individuals who are too ill to return to work and to use the environment in the workplace to help people develop their health. The main motto of the program can be summed up as – “No individuals should be made ill by work” .
A large selection of guidance materials can be found from governmental agencies and these have been supplemented by advice for certain organizations and industries. Moreover, case studies have been critically reviewed after development that exhibits the success of ergonomics interventions.
So, as a result, primary prevention of musculoskeletal disorders should constitute the primary area of focus. The establishment of targets to reduce the number of lost work-days has shifted the area of emphasis to the development of a more holistic approach that is based on assessment and guidance, the prevention of acute episodes becoming chronic and treatment .
- Ergonomics: Is that French?
Ergonomics can be defined as the science of fitting the jobs to individuals who work in that particular environment. The main target of every ergonomics program is to decrease musculoskeletal disorders related to work. Such diseases are common occurrence among workers since a great deal of their work involves bending over, reaching, using continuous force, lifting heavy objects, doing repetitive motions and working with vibrating equipment.
- Background and Historical Data
The high number of MSD cases in the workplace is often indicative of system failure that must be addressed in order to improve the overall productivity and quality. Thus, programs targeted for the prevention of MSDs happen to be incorporated within a greater ergonomics approach to the extended improvement of systems in the workplace, use of technology, the work environment, organizational designs. This is the background of the ergonomics approach. The International Ergonomics Association Council in the year 2002 adopted the official definition of the ergonomics discipline. The individuals involved in ergonomics and human engineering have long since recognized that the best route for enhancing performance and preventing problems in systems is through a redesign or design process .
- Common Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)
Musculoskeletal disorders are one of the most common sources of lost work time and disability. It is necessary to examine their origins in order to come up with possible methods for prevention. The issue needs to be considered from different viewpoints and system needs. Modern ergonomics focuses on the significance of a participatory approach to developing a solution and prevention of musculoskeletal disorders. The application of comprehensive knowledge of ergonomics can be used to understand musculoskeletal disorders amongst the users of computer technology .
- MSD Signs: The major signs of musculoskeletal disorders in workers include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome and back injuries. They are characterized by soft tissue injuries that occur slowly over time and affect the muscles, ligaments, tendons, nerves and joints. The development of such injuries can occur when the same muscles are used for extended periods of time without sufficient rest. Other common forms of MSD signs include bursitis, trigger finger and epocondylitis .
- MSD Symptoms: According to Krista Welsh and Geoffrey White of Mohawk College, the most usual symptoms of MSD in employees include redness, inflammation, loss of function, reduced range of motion, numbness, tingling, pain or tenderness, stiffness, fatigue, muscle weakness and decreased strength in grip .
II. Evaluating Ergonomics and MSD is the Workplace
Employees and workers need to become familiar with MSDs and their signs and symptoms. If these MSDs are workplace-related, they need to contact their supervisor at once. If they experience the MSDs at work, they must ask for assistance immediately. Identifying the problems of MSD at an early stage considerable decrease the risk of developing a vital musculoskeletal disorder.
- MSD Risk Factors
- Posture
Posture happens to be the position of a certain part of the body relative another part next to it which is measured with the angle of the joint between them. Posture is one of the most common occupation risk factors for MSD.
- Reach
When an employee continuously makes the same movements to reach a particular object over a long period of time, the chances of developing MSDs increase.
- Gripping Techniques
Gripping techniques often lead to mechanical stresses due to physical exertion. The muscles and tendons become impinged when pressed into the sharp edge.
- Arm and Wrist Positions
Arm and wrists are commonly subjected to repetitive movements and positions. Identical and similar motions carried out over a long time can lead to over-extension and overuse of particular muscle groups which could lead to muscular fatigue.
- Lifting and Moving Material
The lifting and movement of material in the workplace can lead to unnecessary stress, resulting in the development of MSD .
- Control Methods
- Engineering Controls
It is important to bring realism and variety in terms of engineering controls to workplace safety meetings. Engineering hazards that can affect the health of staff must be noted and discussed at meetings later.
- Administrative Controls
It is necessary to improve the overall safety culture in the workplace. The staff becomes more aware of safety concerns when they know what to expect and perform differently. Therefore, it is the responsibility of the employer to focus on administrative controls that highlight the hazards in the workplace.
- Work Practice Controls
Work practice controls involve improving the safety awareness on job sites. Unsafe activities must be noted by the employees over a fixed period of time and reported. Solutions must be discussed at meetings .
- Work Site Analysis
According to the Washington Department of Labor and Industries, managers who are involved in the conduction of safety walkthroughs in the work environment agree that if a minimum of 15 to 30 minutes are spent analysing work site hazards, it becomes a proper investment towards the prevention of injury .
- Problematic Areas
Work-related MSDs or musculoskeletal disorders are the development of a mismatch between the physical capacity of employees and workers and the physical demands of their jobs. Almost 1.8 million cases of MSDs are recorded in the U.S. alone on an annual basis. A third of these cases are serious enough for workers to take time off from work to recover .
- Proper Ergonomic Practices
The science of ergonomics along with its application to MSDs related to the modern workplace offers both a preventative approach as well as an integral perspective. The impact and breadth of ergonomics happens to be extending well beyond what is usually presented in basic literature of the subject. Ergonomics often enhances the understanding of the disorders, their work-relatedness and their possible prevention. Greater level of adherence to the process of ergonomics in terms of assessment of work systems and design would appear to be the best strategy for securing long-term primary prevention of such disorders .
- Corrective Action Implementation
According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration branch of the U.S. Department of Labor, they have developed a final ergonomics program standard that can significantly decrease the severity and number of MSDs caused through the exposure to risk factors within the workplace.
The ergonomics standards of OSHA aim to reduce the MSDs developed by employees whose jobs include repetitive motions, awkward postures, force, vibration and contact stress. The standards of OSHA require employers to respond to the reports of employees of work-related MSDs or possible signs and symptoms of the disease that last for almost a week after they have been reported. If the employer considers that the case of MSD in an employee, or the symptoms and signs, are connected to the job, they can offer the employee an opportunity to get in touch with health care professionals and receive proper work restrictions, if required. The benefits and wages need to be protected for a certain period of time while the individual is on temporary leave from work to recover or on light duty. The employer needs to analyse the job and if there is the possibility of the presence of MSDs, adequate steps must be taken to reduce those hazards .
- Follow-up
Employees must always inform their employers if they suffer from the common MSDs, MSD symptoms and signs. The earlier they report the problem, the more the chances of a successful cure increase. When a worker submits a report of MSD signs and symptoms, the employer needs to determine whether or not the injury meets the definition of a proper MSD incident. The latter is a work-related MSD that needs immediate medical treatment beyond first aid, temporary removal from work or assignment to light duty to recover, or work-related MSD symptoms and signs that last for more than a week. If the case is in fact an MSD incident, the employer needs to check the job with the help of a Basic Screening Tool in order to determine whether or not the job exposes the employee to risk factors that might trigger the problems of MSD. A Basic Screening Tool can be used by employers to recognize risk factors that result in MSD hazards. If the risk factors in work-related spaces meet the levels of exposure found in the Basic Screening Tool, then the job must meet the Action Trigger. When the job meets the Action Trigger, the employer needs to implement different program elements like employee participation and management leadership, training, job analysis and hazard control, MSD management, training, program evaluation, work restriction protection, recordkeeping and dates .
III. Summary
- Importance of Understanding the Signs and Symptoms of MSD
MSDs can affect every workplace and industry, and it is usually recognized that systems ergonomics method based on a participatory model that includes major stakeholders is crucial. The key aspects of the process of ergonomic intervention include risk assessment, commitment from senior management, training and instruction, worker involvement and control measures. The best way to develop a preventative strategy is from the local level.
- Risk Factors
According to Dr. Max M. Martin et al. of the EDSAC Committee, the primary occupational risk factors for MSDs include repetition, mechanical stresses, force, vibration, posture, extrinsic stress and cold temperature. A risk factor is not always a causal factor for MSD but multiple risk factors can increase the possibility of MSD .
- Understanding Control Measures
MSD can be prevented in the workplace by employers if the job or the workstation has been designed in a proper manner and suitable equipment and tools are selected for the particular job. It is very important that the design of the work equipment and tools be ergonomic in nature. Most of the hand tools have been designed for occasional use instead of repetitive use for extensive periods of time. Maintenance of the equipment and tools is highly essential in reducing or preventive ergonomic hazards. The tools must be kept sharp and maintained properly as per the specifications of the manufacturer .
- Importance of Implementing an Effective Ergonomics Program
The implementation of a quality ergonomics program can help in the reduction of vibrations resulting from prolonged operation of equipment.
Works Cited
Buckle, P. (2005). Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Disorders: Overview. Occupational Medicine , 55, 164-167.
EDSAC. (2004). An introduction to Ergonomics: Risk factors, MSDs, approaches and interventions. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from RGP: http://rgpdental.com/pdfs/topics_ergonomics_paper(2).pdf
Mohawk College. (2012, October 30). Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD) Signs and Symptoms. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from Occupational Health and Safety - Mohawk Colleke: http://www.mohawkcollege.ca/Explore/jobs/currentjobopps/hrstaffservices/OHS/Ergonomics/signsSymptoms.html
OSHA. (2001, January 25). Ergonomics: Background. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from Occupational Sagety & Health Administration - U. S. Department of Labor: http://lobby.la.psu.edu/062_Ergonomics_Standards/Agency_Activities/OSHA/OSHA_Ergonomics_Background.htm
SHARP Program. (2004, November). Common Ground: Electricians connect on safety and health. Retrieved August 24, 2013, from Washington State Department of Labor and Industries: http://www.lni.wa.gov/Safety/Research/HealthyWorkplaces/files/HazardAnalysis.pdf
