What are the main causes of MSDs?
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) affect muscles, joints, tendons and other parts of the musculoskeletal system. They are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain. Injury can happen while doing any activity that involves some movement of the body, from heavy lifting to typing. Workers in almost every sort of job are at some risk. However, there are certain tasks and factors that increase the risk such as: • repetitive and heavy lifting • bending and twisting • repeating an action too frequently • uncomfortable working position • exerting too much force • working too long without breaks • exerting a force in a static position for extended periods of time • adverse working environment (e.g. hot, cold) • psychosocial factors (e.g. high job demands, time pressures and lack of control) • not receiving and acting upon reports of symptoms quick enough Generally there is an increased risk of injury when a number of these risk factors are combined.
