What’s a good plan for preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders?

A good plan starts with employee involvement. Employers and employees can work together effectively to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs). Here are some ways:

• Look at injury and illness records to find jobs where problems have occurred.
• Talk with workers to identify specific tasks that contribute to pain and lost workdays.
• Ask workers what changes they think will make a difference.
• Encourage workers to report WMSD symptoms and establish a medical management system to detect problems early.
• Find ways to reduce repeated motions, forceful hand exertions, prolonged bending, or working above shoulder height.
• Reduce or eliminate vibration and sharp edges or handles that dig into the skin.
• Rely on equipment (not backs) for heavy or repetitive lifting.

Simple solutions often work best. Workplace changes to reduce pain and cut the risk of disability need not cost a fortune. For example: