Background on Muscle-Skeletal Disorders:
Muscle-skeletal disorders(MSDs) is one of the most common forms of injury in Canada.
MSDs cost the Canadian economy billions of dollars each year, with the price only increasing on a yearly basis.
Not only that, MSDs are among the most common workplace injuries, costing employers a hefty price.
In a 2016 report from Canada’s Workers Health and Safety Centre, the direct and indirect cost together amounts to $22 billion annually to the Canadian economy.
Before continuing, it is important to understand what MSDs means.
According to the CDC, Muscule-skeletal disorders (MSD) are injuries or disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs.
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) are disorders of the muscles, tendons, and nerves.
Examples of WMSD’s are: wrist carpal tunnel syndrome, tension neck pain, and body tendon inflammation or irritation.
This is a yearly issue, but there are ways to prevent MSD’s, and that is through ergonomics especially for working professionals.
The Importance of Ergonomics:
Ergonomics is defined as the science of fitting a workplace to the user’s needs, ergonomics aims to increase efficiency, productivity, and reduce discomfort.
For example, It’s important to think of the angle of your laptop monitor, keyboard, or mouse when working.
It’s important to assess, is your eyes strained, or is your back or wrists hurting from working?
With proper ergonomics put in place, workplace injuries can be prevented.
It’s important to put emphasis on proper body posture to reduce the impact of repetitive moments.
The rapid transformation of technology in the modern workplace, has substantially increased the need for ergonomics.
Desks, chairs, monitors, keyboards, and lighting all need to be assessed when creating a workspace, whether it is at the office or at home.
Ergonomics also takes into account the need for movement throughout the day.
In order to reduce the impact of sitting most hours of the day.
The goal is to move at least once per hour, in order to combat the effects of a sedentary workplace behavior.
Conclusion:
With proper ergonomics in place for employees, it can result in huge amounts of cost reduction.
Employers can prioritize workplace safety by making employees aware that ergonomics is a priority.
As well as making employees aware of ergonomic resources.
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