Responding to Early Warning Signs Can Help Reduce MSDs

For many people in Ontario, job-related injuries such as back pains and joint strains are all too common. By being proactive about early warning signs and ensuring that potential hazards are reported and followed up on without delay, we can minimize the impact of these injuries and reduce their frequency and severity.

Musculoskeletaldisorders(MSDs) are injuries of the muscles,tendons,nerves, blood vessels, joints and ligaments. They are the result of exposure to risk factors such as repetitive, prolonged exertion, frequent or heavy lifting or carrying,or habitual adoption of poor or awkward postures. The literature tells us that many MSDs develop gradually as a result of repeated micro-trauma or sudden overexertion. While these micro-traumas may be minor and often unnoticed, they can add up to significant risk to workers.

Looking for MSD Signs & Symptoms

Noticeable signs and symptoms are often present,but because the incidents leading up to awareness of an injury may be minor, they are often ignored until it is too late. Early reporting of MSDs is a critical step in prevention, and both staff and managers have important roles to play. Staff should report MSD symptoms early and managers need to recognize job-related risks and respond to reported symptoms.

Signs may include swelling, weakness, muscle spasms,redness or changes in skin tone or reduced range of motion about a joint.

Symptoms may include pain, aching, fatigue, burning, tingling, numbness, muscle cramping or the sensation of pins and needles.

Many MSD signs and symptoms can be tracked as they progress or develop through distinct stages, which can be used to determine the severity of the condition:

Stage One:

The worker experiences signs and symptoms intermittently while at work, however they do not interfere with work performance or everyday activities. The signs and symptoms may lessen with ice, pain medication or during the evenings and weekends or when away from work. This stage may last for weeks or even months.

Stage Two:

The signs and symptoms become more persistent, sometimes even constant, including after work hours. Signs and symptoms often get worse, and function at work and sometimes outside of work is affected. If the worker takes a break from work, such as a vacation, the signs and symptoms often diminish. The worker may seek treatment such as physiotherapy, splinting or bracing which may last for weeks or months.

Stage Three:

This is the most serious stage and can be the most difficult to resolve. The signs and symptoms have intensified and the worker is usually forced to modify their work routine and lifestyle as activities away from work become affected. Discomfort tends to be constant even at rest and finding a comfortable position can be difficult. At this stage, the worker may require a more aggressive treatment intervention such as medication or surgery, however physiotherapy or splinting/bracing may also be helpful. Full recovery is often prolonged, taking months or years.

Prevention

By breaking the cycle early, the impact of MSDs can often be minimized. The key to MSD prevention is to design and organize work to avoid overloading or damaging the musculoskeletal system. Once an issue has been identified, an assessment should be done to determine the root cause and the level of risk associated. More than one MSD hazard has often contributed to the situation, so it’s important to consider the range of possibilities, including people, equipment, materials, environment and process. A risk assessment will help prioritize potential hazards and identify specific controls to resolve MSD concerns. Early treatment and prevention also offers a great opportunity to engage workers when identifying hazards and allows for a combined effort when determining the appropriate course of action.

How We Can Help

Public Services Health and Safety Association are the experts in MSD training and prevention, offering numerous consulting and training opportunities such as Ergonomic Awareness for the Computer Worker, Musculoskeletal Disorders Prevention, Handle with Care™ and Office Ergonomics. There is also a large collection of free downloadable resources on our website in the MSD section of our Products page.