Unfortunately, a clear, universally accepted definition of “Musculoskeletal Disorder” (MSD) has eluded injury prevention professionals, government agencies and researchers for decades.
To further confuse the matter, many names are used when speaking about injuries and disorders affecting the musculoskeletal system.
Some of them include:
- Repetitive Motion Injury
- Repetitive Motion Disorder
- Repetitive Stress Injury
- Repetitive Stress Disorder
- Ergonomic Injury
- Cumulative Trauma Disorder
- Overuse Syndrome
Several of these terms implicate a singular cause for damage to the musculoskeletal system – repetitive motion / stress.
This is confusing, inaccurate and creates a barrier for injury prevention strategies. For example, if repetitive motion were the only cause of MSD, how do we explain that not everyone doing the same job under identical conditions develops a MSD, while others do?
Repetitive motion and stress is certainly a risk factor in the development of MSD, but to limit ourselves with this definition is a barrier to developing effective injury prevention programs and instilling a true prevention and wellness culture at your company.
In reality, there are many causative risk factors leading to MSD.
The more productive way to defining and addressing musculoskeletal injuries is in a comprehensive fashion. Only then can we identify and correct all causative risk factors involved.
A Comprehensive Definition of MSD
Ergonomics Plus’ comprehensive definition of MSD:
Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc.).
This comprehensive, blanket definition allows us to consider and address all risk factors instead of only one. This definition also opens up the conversation about shared responsibility between the employer and each employee.
Prevention of MSD requires a Partnership
Prevention of MSD requires a partnership between the company and each employee.
The employer is responsible for providing a safe place of work, sound ergonomic principles, proper training for all employees, and a clear focus on safety culture within all levels of the organization.
Each employee is responsible for taking care of their bodies and staying fit for the work they have chosen to do. After all, it is their musculoskeletal system at risk. Using terms like “repetitive motion injury” absolves employees of this responsibility, allowing them to point to repetitive motion as the sole cause of their musculoskeletal issue.
As a Safety and Health professional, it is imperative to understand and embrace a comprehensive definition of MSD to begin developing a world class injury prevention program.
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