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Musculoskeletal
Disorders (MSDs) are the most commonly reported work-related injuries
and illnesses. Ergonomics is making a positive impact on reducing these
incidents; however, MSDs still occur frequently in nearly every job
field. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health
identified the most likely movements and working conditions that lead
to MSDs. Some of the most detrimental activities identified were:
repetitive movements, twisting or bending, lifting, pushing or pulling,
and awkward or static postures. The following looks at MSDs as they
affect separate parts of the body.
- The eyes: problems with
staring at a computer screen all day can surface in the form of vision
impairment and discomfort. People with Computer Vision Syndrome may
experience blurred or strained vision as well as headaches, neck pain,
and eye pain. Additionally, the eyes can lose the ability to properly
lubricate themselves through tears. Severe dry eyes may be diagnosed as
Dry Eye Syndrome. Frequent breaks away from the computer screen are the
most effective in minimizing eye problems.
- The neck and shoulders:
injuries to the neck and/or shoulders can cause pain at the site or
further down the arm and even into the hand. Pinched nerves can cause
numbness or tingling, and dysfunction in general can limit range of
motion and cause pain and weakness. Reducing the amount of repetitive
movements of the neck and shoulders through automation and
mechanization is very effective. Additionally, adjusting the height of
controls, monitors, and handles ensures proper body mechanics.
- The Wrist and Forearm:
disorders here are often considered overuse injuries. They are usually
specific to repetitive movements of the fingers and wrist, like
pinching, twisting, gripping, and grasping. Symptoms in this area are
typically pain, numbness, weakness, and tingling. Carpal Tunnel
Syndrome and De Quervain’s Disease are common work-related dysfunctions
in the wrist and forearm. Using a machine to do repetitive work can
help in many industries. Some fields can’t do that as easily but there
may be other ways to limit these movements. For example, adding the
self-check aisles at stores reduces the number of customers clerks have
to check out.
- The Elbow: stress in the
forearm at the elbow can also cause pain, numbness, and weakness.
Common examples of elbow dysfunction are: Golfer’s Elbow, Tennis Elbow,
and Cubital Tunnel Syndrome. Adjusting the weight of an object or tool
that is manipulated during elbow flexion can impact the likelihood of
elbow stress. Minimizing the force of arm movement when forearm muscles
are tight is another preventative measure. Avoiding repeatedly resting
the elbows on a hard surface will reduce the risk for Cubital Tunnel
Syndrome.
- The Low Back and Legs: low
back pain can really do a number on a person’s mobility and ability to
function. Sciatica and problems occurring in the vertebral discs are
often culprits of this kind of pain. Lifting and twisting are closely
related to leg and low back pain, however pushing, pulling, and awkward
postures take their tolls, too. Using equipment to move and carry heavy
objects is the most obvious solution to these ergonomic issues. Height
of an object when it is stored and transported will also make a
difference in how the legs and low back are impacted during work tasks.
By the
time pain is severe enough for a person to notice, the MSD is often
already quite severe. It is important to catch potential work-related
injuries before they happen. Failing to do so can lead to high cost and
hardship for both the employee and employer.
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