Musculoskeletal disorders that everyone needs to know

 

The body is exposed to many work-related injuries, especially when lifting or moving heavy objects beyond one's physical capacity. Capt. Martin Sanders notes that this could result in musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) that the body may suffer from. Today's article will discuss this work-related risk and how such life-changing disabilities affect productivity.

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Occupation is one of the risk factors in having musculoskeletal disorders; others are age, activity level, lifestyle, family history. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions affecting the muscles, bones, and joints. Specifically, work-related MSDs are often described as injuries or disorders, including the nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.

Although the risk of developing MSDs increases as you get older, your work conditions may lead to it in advance. Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) may be brought on by performing heavy tasks, especially for construction workers, machine operators, and the like. Examples include, but not limited to, lifting heavy objects, exposure to vibration, work with the neck in a flexion position, and repeating forceful tasks.

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Workers who suffer from work-related MSDs are affected in their productivity, resulting in absenteeism, increased healthcare, disabilities, and other compensation costs, explains Capt. Martin Sanders. Certain musculoskeletal disorders include tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), fibromyalgia, and bone fractures. However, on the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website, injuries caused by incidents such as slips, trips, falls, and the like are not considered musculoskeletal disorders.

Captain Martin Sanders is a seasoned public health and safety professional with more than a decade of experience. He served as Director of Safety, Environmental Compliance and Emergency Management of the Federal Occupational Health, Program Support Center, Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration. For similar updates, visit this blog.

Disclaimer: This site was prepared by Martin Sanders in his personal capacity. The opinions expressed are the author's own and do not reflect the views of the USPHS, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Homeland Security, or the United States Government.