When we hear about workplace injuries, we instantly think about accidents like fires, collapses, or cuts. These injuries are more noticeable, hence more addressed.
Another type of injury that develops gradually is a musculoskeletal disorder. These injuries cause internal damage and worsen with unfavorable working conditions. However, prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is possible and easy. Here is everything you need to know to avoid these injuries.
What Are Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders?
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are a group of injuries affecting the nerves, tendons, muscles, and joints. They develop over time by overworking the musculoskeletal system. WMSDs are also called repetitive strain injuries, soft tissue disorders, and overuse syndrome.
Almost all workers risk WMSDs from awkward postures or repetitive activities of the hands, legs, neck, and shoulders. These activities may not be harmful in daily life. However, when repeated, they can create significant problems that only a thorough musculoskeletal injury prevention program can address.
Prevention of Musculoskeletal Disorders
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are easily preventable by employees and employers. Here are some preventative measures that you can take.
Better Work Techniques
Improving the job design with better work techniques is an effective way of preventing musculoskeletal disorders. The focus should be on reducing risk factors and utilizing helpful tools to make tasks easier. For instance, mechanization can eliminate repetitive movements by workers.
Another way of improving work techniques involves job rotation. Employees can move between tasks that engage different muscle groups. Teamwork is also a great strategy that allows each member to perform varying tasks and reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.
Better Work Environment
Successful prevention of musculoskeletal disorders can only occur in a safe work environment with the appropriate tools and layout. The workplace should fit the needs of workers. You can achieve this through ergonomic evaluation.
Employing a musculoskeletal injury prevention program allows you to evaluate your current work conditions. Such a program will identify risk factors and modify the workstations to minimize the effort required by workers to perform their tasks.
Pre-Shift Warm-up
An efficient way of preventing WMSDs is to employ a workplace stretching program. A dynamic warm-up before each shift can prepare the muscles for the upcoming task and keep employees safe.
Warm-ups are not only good for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders, but they can provide a bonding opportunity for workers and boost morale. Another measure that enhances the effects of pre-shift stretching is taking breaks every 30 minutes to allow the body to recover and reenergize.
Proper Posture and Movements
Lastly, employees should use proper postures and movements during all work activities to avoid WMSDs. These movements can differ based on the industry, but some proper general techniques include:
- Maintaining an erect back and neck while relaxing the shoulders
- Keeping arms close to the body with wrists straight and forearms neutral
- Avoiding static positions and repetitive movements for prolonged periods
- Reducing awkward bodily postures and extreme motions such as bending and twisting
Prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders With BIOKINETIX
Prevention of musculoskeletal disorders is achievable with a strategic plan. BIOKINETIX can give you an effective musculoskeletal injury prevention program that prioritizes workplace safety training and helps you take a proactive approach to prevent WMSDs.
We have been helping businesses create safer workplaces for nearly two decades, and we can help you too. Schedule a demo today to see how our customized programs can benefit you and your employees.
