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10 Ways to Keep MSDs at Bay
Varying movement is an essential strategy for preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) on the job.
"It gets the blood flowing and the muscles working and boosts physical, cognitive, and emotional
well-being," says WSPS Ergonomics Specialist Don Patten.
MSDs continue to be the number one work-related lost-time injury in Ontario. The best way to
get on top of these injuries and related costs is to incorporate MSD prevention activities into your
health and safety program and encourage sedentary workers to move throughout the day.
About MSDs
MSDs, such as low back pain, tendonitis and carpal tunnel syndrome, result from a mismatch
between the capabilities of a worker and the design of the tools or equipment they're using. Being
in a fixed posture all day can also cause MSDs and other health ailments, like cardiovascular
disease and obesity.
Workers who experience MSDs may be tempted to avoid doing tasks that hurt, or worse, bring in their
own solutions to modify workstations. This can reduce productivity and introduce other hazards.
To prevent injuries and the high costs associated with MSDs, recognize, assess and control MSD
hazards the same way you do any other hazards. It's also important to look for MSD hazards when
introducing new equipment, processes, and procedures into the organization.
"WSPS Consultants who visit employer workplaces make sure they determine the impact on
humans for the solutions they recommend," says Don. "We can teach employers how to do the
same thing."
10 ways to get moving
Encourage sedentary workers to get moving using the 20-8-2 rule: sit for 20 minutes, stand for 8, and
gently stretch for two. The rule replaces static posture, which is unhealthy for the body, with a mix of
standing, sitting, walking and gentle exercise. View our 20-8-2: Work Smarter, Not Harder video.
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