November 13, 2002—Two recent surveys add scientific support to the ergonomics claim that workplace or task characteristics are linked to injuries and illnesses (musculoskeletal disorders [MSDs]) such as disc degeneration, shoulder sprain and strain, tendonitis, or carpal tunnel syndrome, according to a report in Ergonomics Today.
One survey reported that the prevalence of back pain increased proportionately to the number of working hours spent in repeated strenuous physical activities and in work with repeated bending, twisting, or reaching. The researchers also noted that the carpentry industry, as well as nursing aides, orderlies, and attendants, had the highest rates of back pain, as indicated by OSHA’s recent targeting of nursing home facilities for ergonomics guidelines.
A second study clearly linked shoulder injuries and, to a lesser extent, low back complaints, to workplace pushing and pulling in a task.
Some large companies and large insurers are reportedly seeing the cost benefits of injury prevention through good ergonomics. The studies cited above can be found in the October issue of the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine.
Based on a report from Ergonomics Today
