The Occupational Safety and Health Administration published guidelines earlier this year outlining what a work-related musculoskeletal disorder (WMSD) is and its effect on an employee's health.
physical capacity of the human body.
WMSDs cost employers an estimated $15 billion to $20 billion in workers' compensation costs in 1995 and $45 billion to $60 billion more in indirect costs, according to the OSHA.
These WMSDs account for 34% of lost-workday injuries.
Specific risk factors associated with WMSDs include repetitive motion, heavy lifting, forceful exertion, contact stress, vibration, awkward posture and rapid hand and wrist movement.
More than 100 different injuries can result from repetitive motions that produce wear and tear on the body. Back pain, wrist tendinitis and carpal tunnel syndrome may all stem from work-related overuse.
Here are some potential ergonomic solutions offered by the OSHA:
Rely on equipment -- not backs -- for heavy or repetitive lifting.
Simple solutions often work best. Workplace changes to reduce pain and cut the risk of disability need not cost a fortune. For example:
Change the height or orientation of the product.
Look at injury and illness records to find jobs where problems have occurred.
Talk with workers to identify specific tasks that contribute to pain and lost workdays.
Ask workers what changes they think will make a difference.
Encourage workers to report WMSD symptoms and establish a medical-management system to detect problems early.
Find ways to reduce repeated motions, forceful hand exertions, prolonged bending or working above shoulder height.
