MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS(MSDs)

Outline

• MSDs– Definition– Parts of body at risk– Impact of MSDs on industry– Risk factors– Low back disorders– Risk management

• WRULD– Definition– Risk Factors– Injury mechanisms– Risk management

Introduction & Definition

• ‘Any activity requiring the use of force exerted by a person to lift, lower, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move, hold or restrain an object.’ (ISO 1128-1:2003).

• Note that the object may be an item or an animal or person.

Parts of body at risk

• Low back• Neck• Shoulder• Elbow• Hand• Knee• Ankle

Source: Bluescope Steel

Impact of MSDs

• EU: 30-46% all work-related injuries

• Figure consistent across developed world

• Contributing factors:– Psychosocial– Psychophysical– Personal physical

factors

Characteristics of Tasks?

• Repetitive• Heavy• Light intermittent UOW

BP

Examples of work tasks

• Construction• Manufacturing• Health care• Mining • Others?

Bluescope Steel

UOW

Nature & Causes of Manual Handling Disorders

• 4 key physical risk factors:– Repetition– Force– Posture– Vibration– Combination of factors

• Cumulative damage