This material is for training purposes only. Its purpose is to inform employers and employees of best practices in occupational safety and health and general OSHA compliance requirements. This material is not a substitute for any provision of the Occupational Safety and Health Act or any standards issued by OSHA.
INTRODUCTION
In 1996, more than 647,000 American workers experienced serious injuries due to overexertion or repetitive motion on the job. These work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 34 percent of lost workday injuries. MSDs cost employers an estimated $15 to $20 billion in workers' compensation costs in 1995 and $45 to $60 billion more in indirect costs.
A compelling customer satisfaction story
Sysco Food Services of Houston, Texas had serious ergonomic problems when OSHA inspected the company. In 1996, Sysco had 210 injuries with 3,638 lost workdays. Back injuries accounted for 40 percent of the injuries and more than half the cost. An OSHA inspector issued Sysco a citation and $7,000 fine for failing to protect its employees from ergonomic hazards and set out an abatement plan for the company to follow.
Today, after implementing a formal ergonomics program under the direction of Sandra Carson, an occupational health nurse, Sysco's injury compensation costs have fallen by almost 75 percent, and major back injuries have dropped from 76 a year to 21.
Ms. Carson says the $7,000 penalty "was one of the best investments the company has made." Along with the citation, Ms. Carson says Sysco "received an analysis of our problem jobs as well as alternative controls to consider." The health and safety improvements have made Ms. Carson's branch one of Sysco's most profitable.
What are work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)?
| 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. |
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Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders are caused or made worse by the work environment. MSDs 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
MSDs are often confused with ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers.
In other words, MSDs are the problem and ergonomics is a solution.
What are the risk factors for MSDs?
Risk factors for MSDs include;
- 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 MSDs
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?
MSDs 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 MSDs, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that in 1995, 62% (308,000) 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, rising from 23,800 cases in 1972 to 332,000 cases in 1994—a fourteen-fold increase. In 1995, the number of cases decreased by 7% to 308,000 reported cases, but this number still exceeds the number of cases in any year prior to 1994.
When looking specifically at cases involving days away from work, for which more detailed information is available, BLS reports that in 1994, approximately 32% or 705,800 cases were the result of overexertion or repetitive motion. This figure includes back injuries.
NIOSH research and prevention
The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) is the only federal agency mandated to conduct research and train professionals to identify and prevent workplace hazards. The Institute is part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NIOSH conducts and funds a substantial amount of research on musculoskeletal disorders, currently a total of 80 projects on work-related MSD-related topics. A directory of all these projects has been published by NIOSH (DHHS [NIOSH] Publication No. 97-109). For more information on work-related MSDs or on other workplace safety and health issues call:
1-800-35-NIOSH (1-800-356-4674).
What this course is about
This internet course has been developed to help you
- Evaluate the potential for workplace musculoskeletal disorders, and
- Develop an effective ongoing ergonomics program
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