According to the Bureau of Labour Statistics, musculoskeletal disorders are the single largest category of workplace injuries in the U.S.

Musculoskeletal disorder is described as an injury to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, joints, cartilage, bones, or blood vessels located in the arms, legs, head, neck, or back.

Work-related risk factors for developing musculoskeletal disorders can be classified in to three main categories:

  • Ergonomic risk factors

Ergonomics is the design and arrangement of workspaces, products, and systems so that they fit the people who use them. They include:

  1. Force – the amount of physical effort you exert, especially when working, such as lifting, carrying, pushing, and pulling
  2. Repetitive movement – using the same muscle groups to produce a certain movement
  3. Posture – being in a certain position that may not be in tune with your body’s natural alignment for prolonged periods of time
  4. Vibration – for those who use machinery tools at their workplace
  5. Poor workstation ergonomics
  • Psychological and organizational risk factors:

The workplace environment and culture can have a big impact on musculoskeletal health

  1. Poor job design
  2. High work demands
  3. Lack of support from colleagues and management
  4. Job insecurity
  • Individual risk factors

There are some things that we have control over, and some that we don’t that increase the risk of musculoskeletal disorders

  1. Age
  2. Gender – higher amongst women
  3. Lifestyle – smoking, no regular exercise, obesity
  4. Beliefs and attitudes
  5. Habits

Luckily, work-related musculoskeletal disorders and related problems are preventable and employers and health and safety professionals can develop effective strategies to reduce the rate of musculoskeletal injuries.

https://www.bls.gov/

MSK-0080 RevA