Changes needed to reduce risk of musculoskeletal disorders

• Published in: American journal of industrial medicine Vol. 67; no. 7; pp. 575 - 581
• Main Authors: Macdonald, Wendy A., Oakman, Jodi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.07.2024
• Subjects: Biomechanics; Codes of Practice; Disorders; hierarchy of control; Humans; Legislation; manual handling; MSD risk assessment; Musculoskeletal diseases; Musculoskeletal Diseases - etiology; Musculoskeletal Diseases - prevention & control; musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); Occupational Diseases - prevention & control; Occupational exposure; Occupational Exposure - adverse effects; Occupational Exposure - prevention & control; Occupational Health - legislation & jurisprudence; psychosocial hazards; Risk communication; Risk Factors; Risk management; Risk Management - methods; Risk reduction; Staff participation; worker participation; Workplace; MSD risk assessment; musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs); worker participation; hierarchy of control; manual handling; psychosocial hazards
• ISSN: 0271-3586; 1097-0274; 1097-0274
• DOI: 10.1002/ajim.23613

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the main contributor to disability levels, which are rising as populations age. Workplace hazard exposures are a major source of this problem, and current workplace risk management practices require substantial changes to tackle it more effectively. Most importantly, the current focus of risk management on “manual handling” tasks must broaden to encompass the whole job. This is necessary because a wide range of psychosocial hazards, most of which operate across the whole job rather than particular tasks, are significant contributors to risk. To ensure that risk‐control actions are effective, a recurring risk management cycle that includes worker participation and addresses risk from both biomechanical and psychosocial hazards will be essential. Legislation that mandates workplace management of psychosocial hazards would be helpful. Amendment by regulatory bodies of MSD‐related guidance and codes of practice so that they reflect current research evidence would also be helpful in communicating the need for change to workplace stakeholders.