You are on page 1of 5

OHS BRIEF

Topic:

26/02/2015

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)

What does the term musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) mean?


1.1 MSD is an umbrella term for injuries and disorders that include:
Sprains and strains of muscles, ligaments and tendons , back injuries and Low back pain
,Joint injuries or degeneration, Bone injuries (e.g. fractures) ,Nerve injuries (e.g. carpal
tunnel syndrome of the wrist) and muscular and vascular disorders as a result of hand
arm vibration (HAV) .
MSDs may occur suddenly as a result of a single forceful action like pulling a moving
object, lifting a heavy object, actions causing overexertion or through a slip, trip or fall.
It may also develop over a longer period as symptoms associated with minor tissue
injuries (including nerve and vascular tissues) are ignored, eventually resulting in a
more serious injury. Injuries suffered by workers (eg. transport drivers, mechanics)
doing repetitive work and/or work of a similar nature could also fall into this category.
1.2 Key risk factors and specific task characteristics that increase the risk of MSDs are:
Awkward postures
Bending and twisting
Manual handling/load
Forceful exertions
Repetitive actions
Heavy lifting
Vibration hand/arm and whole body
Narrow Access
Slips, trips and falls

1.3 SYMPTOMS OF MSDs


Key symptoms include generalized bodily pains, weakness, joint pains and swelling, low
back pain, thigh pain, numbness and tingling of hands and feet etc.

1.4 FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTE TO MSDs

Unsafe bending and Lifting


objects above shoulder level

Stretching to reach for

Awkward Postures
involving vibration eg. drilling

Long hours of jobs

1.5 Prevention of MSDs.


Avoid unsafe acts /postures that contribute to MSDs
Limit manual material handling as much as possible, If possible, push and pull
rather than carry. Use lifting devices when available and practice team lifting for
heavy objects.
Use appropriate portable office stairs or ladders to reach for objects at heights.
Take short breaks in between works that involve repetitive movements or static
standing or sitting postures for long hours. Rotational schedules should be
encouraged for work areas with vigorous physical exertion

Regular exercises also help prevent MSDs.


Kindly make it a point to be present at your next departmental tool box meeting for
more information on MSDs.
Best Regards,
Dr. Alex Arthur
Resident Doctor.

You might also like