Musculoskeletal Disorders in Nursing Homes
Web Page Compiled by Stacy Culbert
Strategies for Prevention and Control
Introduction
Each year, millions of Americans suffer work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), inflicting millions of dollars in both direct and indirect costs on employers, employees, and their families. The U.S. Department of Labor defines MSDs as injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage and spinal discs, that occur as a result of awkward postures, repetitive motion, repeated impacts or heavy, frequent or awkward lifting. MSDs do not include disorders caused by single incidents, such as slips, trips, falls or motor-vehicle accidents (Ergonomics Task Force, 2002). Work-related MSDs are the biggest health and safety problem facing American workers.
Ergonomics is the application of scientific information concerning humans to the design of objects, systems, and environment for human use (International Ergonomics Association, 2007). The goal of ergonomics ranges from the basic aim of making work safe through increasing human efficiently to the purpose of creating human well-being. When ergonomics is applied correctly in the work environment, visual and musculoskeletal discomfort and fatigue are reduced significantly. Ergonomics programs typically incorporate job analysis, workspace design and training programs to reduce the possibility that a worker will suffer a work-related MSD (Job Safety & Health Quarterly, 2000).
Next: Magnitude of Problem