Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders: Classifications and Additional Information

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries or conditions that affect the body's musculoskeletal system, including bones, muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons. These disorders can be caused or exacerbated by work conditions, and they are more common in jobs that require excessive force, repeated movements, and awkward postures.

Fortunately, there are several strategies to reduce the risk of WMSDs. These strategies can be categorised into five types of workplace controls: elimination, substitution, engineering controls, administrative controls, and the use of personal protective equipment (PPE).

Elimination involves removing hazards entirely from the workplace. For example, if a job requires heavy lifting, the hazard could be eliminated by automating the process or using machinery that reduces the need for manual labour.

Substitution involves replacing hazards with safer alternatives. For instance, if a job requires the use of vibrating hand tools, these could be replaced with non-vibrating tools or tools with reduced vibration levels.

Engineering controls modify processes or install new equipment to reduce injury risk. This could include the use of mechanical assist devices to help with lifting, or the installation of ergonomic workstations to reduce awkward postures.

Administrative controls change work practices and management policies to reduce injury risk. This could involve scheduling regular breaks, implementing rotating shift patterns, or providing training on proper lifting techniques.

PPE refers to safety equipment that may help reduce the risk of WMSDs. However, the effectiveness of PPE in injury reduction is inconclusive.

Implementing ergonomic strategies and controls can help reduce the risk of WMSDs. These strategies aim to design work and the work environment to suit the worker, eliminating discomfort and the risk of injury, improving health, and productivity.

Examples of WMSDs include carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), back pain, and tendinitis. CTS, or compression of the median nerve, can result from repetitive motions or the repeated use of vibrating hand tools. Occupations with a high risk of developing CTS include assembly line workers, forestry workers, cashiers, masseurs, and office employees, especially those involved in repetitive hand movements, increased hand force, or exposure to hand-arm vibrations.

Rotator cuff injuries, which refer to damage to the group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint, can be caused by repetitive motion, lifting heavy objects, falling on an outstretched arm, or sudden twisting or pulling motions. Occupations with a high risk of rotator cuff injuries include those involving heavy lifting, manual work, using vibrating tools, and adopting awkward positions.

Epicondylitis, also known as tennis or golfer's elbow, is an injury that causes pain when bending the wrist towards the forearm and can be caused by jobs involving repeated or forceful movements of the fingers, wrist, and forearm.

WMSDs can affect different parts of the body, including the hands, wrists, elbows, neck, shoulders, back, legs, hips, ankles, and feet. Certain occupations may put a person at a greater risk of developing CTS, such as farmers, gardeners, locksmiths, mechanics, musicians, office workers, and assembly-line workers.

Lower back pain is a common injury that refers to discomfort in the part of the back between the bottom of the ribs and the top of the legs. This can be caused or exacerbated by work tasks such as lifting, carrying, pushing, or pulling heavy loads, bending, crouching, or stooping, stretching, twisting, and reaching, working long hours, working with screens while slouching, driving long distances, etc.

In conclusion, understanding the different types of workplace controls and implementing ergonomic strategies can help reduce the risk of WMSDs. Employers and employees should work together to create a safe and healthy work environment.