- In 2010, 25% of construction injuries were from musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)
- What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)? An injury or disorder of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints,
cartilage, and spinal discs.
- What are some examples of MSDs? Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS), Tendinitis, Bursitis
•Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) - Carpal tunnel syndrome is pressure on the median nerve -- the nerve in the wrist that
supplies feeling and movement to parts of the hand. It can lead to numbness, tingling, weakness, or muscle damage in
the hand and fingers. Using tools that don’t fit your hand properly can cause this type of injury.
•Tendinitis – this occurs when tendons rub against the bone and get swollen. Tendinitis refers to inflammation of the
tendon. For example, swinging a sledge hammer repeatedly can cause tendinitis in the elbow.
•Bursitis – this occurs when the fluid-filled sac (bursa) that lies between a tendon and skin, or between a tendon and
bone, gets inflamed. Bursae are found in the knee, elbow, shoulder and wrist. The main symptom of bursitis is pain. In
some cases, especially for shoulder bursitis, people may experience some restriction of movement and stiffness. For
example, working in an awkward overhead position for extended periods of time can cause bursitis in the shoulder.
- What is Ergonomics? * Fitting the job to the worker
- What Are 4 Terms Commonly Used For “Ergonomic” Injuries? Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs). Injuries involving strain
which develop, or build up over time.
Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs). Injuries affecting muscles, nerves and tendons by repetitive movement and overuse. The
condition mostly affects the upper body.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Injuries and disorders to soft body tissues including muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments,
joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.
Repetitive motion injuries (RMIs). An injury to the body that is caused by performing the same motion over and over again
thereby straining a body part.
- What Risk Factors Can Cause MSD Injuries? Awkward postures (Bending, Working overhead, Kneeling, Twisting,
Reaching far in front of you to pick up something ,Working with a bent wrist) , Repetition (How quickly the job is done, How long
the job is done, How much force the job requires, and How much recovery time there is between motions.), Excessive Force
(Lifting something heavy and carrying it, Pushing or pulling heavy objects, Using a tool handle that is too small. This may result in
pinching, squeezing or griping the handle, which can tire the hand, Using a glove that is too large and doesn’t fit properly. This will
require more force to hold onto a tool. This can affect women and other workers who may have smaller hands, Using a heavy tool
that is not balanced may require a lot of force to control.), Static posture (Stationary/static postures, or positions that a worker
must hold for long periods of time, can restrict blood flow and damage muscles. Long periods of standing can also cause foot pain.)
, Vibration , Poorly Designed Tools, Extreme temperature, Poor work organization
- Poor Work Organization, This refers to the way jobs are structured, carried out, and supervised, for example:
Production schedule demands, Infrequent rest breaks, Not enough workers, Poor planning, Poor supervision
Problems with the tools in this slide include the following:
•The small screw driver in the top left photo requires a pinch grip and will require more work to do the job.
•The screw driver in the bottom left photo has too long of a handle for the work space. The worker has to work in an
awkward position.
•The cutters in the top right photo don’t fit the hand properly, putting pressure against the palm of the hand which may
cause an injury.
•The long nose pliers in the bottom right photo have the wrong handle, requiring the worker to bend his wrist.
•In addition, tools may not be designed to fit smaller hands, like a woman’s hand.
•Power tools should be used whenever possible to avoid repetition.
- What are some other ways to identify risk factors on your job? Employer records (OSHA 300 logs, workers’ comp
info., etc.), Worker surveys or interviews, Walk around inspections, Job evaluations
1.Employer Records. Most employers are required to keep a record, called the Cal/OSHA Log 300, of reported
work-related injuries or illnesses. You can request this log to see whether workers have MSDs and where they are
occurring. By reviewing this log you can identify work areas that might need attention.
2. Worker Surveys or Interviews.Your co-workers are often the best source of information on the potential problems
posed by their jobs. You can conduct a written survey or talk to people individually.
3. Walkaround Inspections. Another useful way to find jobs or tasks that may pose problems is to conduct a walk around
inspection of the work area.
4. Job Evaluations. During a job evaluation, use a checklist or similar form to record risk factors, as well as to track your
progress in resolving a problem. There are many checklists available that can be used to do this, including a Job Safety
Analysis (JSA) or Job Hazard Analysis (JHA).
- What are some ways to prevent strains, sprains, and Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)? Better materials, Better
tools, Improved work methods, Better work organizaiton, Training, Stretch and flex, andPersonal protective equipment (PPE)
- How can building materials be improved? Better materials should be: Lighter weight, Packaged in smaller units, Redesigned
- The best tool is one that: Fits the job you are doing, Fits the work space available, Reduces the force you need to
apply, Fits your hand, Can be used in a comfortable work position
- How should you select a power tool? It should have a long trigger, It should have low vibration and noise levels, It
should be heavy enough to do the job, but not add strain, Use a power tool instead of a hand tool when you can.
- How can the work be done differently to reduce risk factors at your job? Use platforms, lifts and forklifts, Use hoists
or chain falls, Use carts and dollies, Make smaller loads, Use power tool instead of hand tools
- How can risk factors be reduced by better planning and organization? Plan the work ahead of time, Deliver materials
close to where they will be used, Have proper equipment at the job site, Minimize bending, reaching or twisting – work
at waist level whenever possible, Use the buddy system – get help
- What should training include? Risk factors, Symptoms of MSDs, Impact of MSDs on workers’ lives, Solutions
- What are some examples of PPEs that can help reduce MSDs? Shoulder pads, Knee pads, Vibration reducing gloves
- What are some challenges implementing solutions? Costs too much, Slows down production, Equipment not
available, Change isn’t easy
- Cal/OSHA’s Ergonomics Standard The standard requires employers to take action to prevent repetitive motion
injuries if: Two workers have reported repetitive motion injuries within a 12-month period
—and— These injuries are a result of performing identical work and are diagnosed by a physician.
- What should be included in an Ergonomics program to reduce MSDs? Management commitment and worker
involvement, Hazard Information and Reporting, Job Hazard Analysis and Control, Training, MSD Medical Management,
Program Evaluation
- Participatory Ergonomic Programs emphasize worker participation and include five steps: 1)identification of
musculoskeletal disorders and workplace hazards that may cause these problems, 2)analysis of workplace hazards,
3)development of solutions to reduce or eliminate hazards, 4)implementation of solutions, and evaluation of the
solution's effectiveness.
- What key points did you learn in this workshop? 1.Ergonomics is the process of fitting the job to the worker,
2.Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries affecting the muscles, bones, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and soft
body tissues, 3.MSDs are one of the most costly workplace injuries, 4.MSD risk factors include: awkward postures,
repetition, excessive force, static posture, vibration, poorly designed tools, extreme temperature, poor work
organization, 5.Solutions include: better materials, better tools, improved work methods, better work organization,
training, stretching, and personal protective equipment (PPE), 6.Cal/OSHA has an ergonomics standard, but it is very
limited, 7.A comprehensive ergonomics program involves workers.
