Work related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD's) 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, headaches, and low back pain. WMSD's can cause 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. WMSDs are by far the most common form of work-related ill-health problem.

A broad rule of thumb is that the true costs of all workplace injuries is at least triple the cost of worker's compensation benefits.

Musculoskeletal disorders are often confused with ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the capabilities of workers. In other words, musculoskeletal disorders are the problem and ergonomics is a solution.

What Are the Risk Factors for WMSDs?

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 WMSDs. 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, the level of exposure, and the amount of recovery time between exposures.

How Common Are MSDs?

Musculoskeletal disorders 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.

In 2003, there were over 40,000 musculoskeletal injuries to workers in Ontario, largely due to overexertion or ergonomic problems. That's over 40 percent of all workplace lost-time injuries. According to the Workers Safety and Insurance Board of Ontario, work-related MSDs in 2003 cost businesses in Ontario approximately $60,000 per injury in lost productivity, retraining, rehiring, damage to equipment and workers compensation insurance.

What can be done to prevent WMSDs?

Much can be done to prevent WMSDs.

1) Ergonomics programs to prevent WMSDs can be tailored to a particular workplace.

2) Individual prevention - strengthening and stretching programs.

For information on the management of MSD's, enter the pages on Repetitive strain injuries and postural strain.

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