Workers

As some of the terms above imply, MSIs are commonly caused by the following risk factors:

1. Force (overexertion)
2. Awkward postures
3. Sustained postures
4. Repetitive motion

Examples of work conditions that may lead to MSI include routine bending, reaching, twisting, overhead work, lifting, pushing, and pulling as well as infrequent lifting of heavy objects.

An MSI can occur suddenly or develop gradually over time. For example, a muscle or tendon strain can occur suddenly from overexerting the back or shoulder to lift a heavy box, whereas carpal tunnel syndrome develops gradually from performing routine repetitive motions of the hand and wrist (without sufficient recovery time) over a prolonged period of time.

Ergonomics
Ergonomics is the science of fitting workplace conditions and job demands to the worker. The goal of ergonomics is to prevent MSIs associated with the overexertion of muscles, awkward and sustained postures, and repeated tasks. Workplaces that have good ergonomics practices have fewer MSIs.

WorkplaceNL has an online library of ergonomics resources, below.

Move Well-Work Well Week
Move Well – Work Well Week is an annual event in Newfoundland and Labrador to raise awareness of MSIs and find practical solutions for prevention in workplaces. To learn how you can participate, visit: www.workpalcenl.ca/mwww

Support for Workplaces
Contact a member of our Prevention Services department with questions or to request education or other MSI prevention support services for your workplace. Our services are free! Email safety@workplacenl.ca or call 1-800-563-9000.

With some MSIs, signs and symptoms develop gradually and they may seem insignificant at first, but they should never be ignored. By identifying the warning signs, action can be taken before injury occurs.

Some MSI warning signs and symptoms include:

• Aches and pain
• Tenderness
• Heaviness
• Stiffness or loss of joint movement
• Tightness
• Numbness
• Tingling
• Burning
• Swelling
• Weakness or tired feeling in affected area

Workers should be encouraged to report early warning signs and symptoms to their supervisor so contributing risk factors can be identified and managed as soon as possible. This may resolve or reduce the symptoms. Reporting does not necessarily mean that a doctor must be seen – this would depend on the nature and severity of symptoms.

An MSI can change the quality of a person’s life and overall health, and may lead to a long recovery period or even be a life-long injury. In addition to the range of physical impacts, a person’s mental and emotional health may also be negatively impacted by an MSI. The good news is that MSIs are preventable.

Learn about preventing injuries like sprains and strains by completing the
self-paced “Introduction to Musculoskeletal Injuries” online course.

Visit https://ctr.bluedrop.io/#/ to register.

To address the burden MSIs are having on our province’s workforce, WorkplaceNL developed the MSI Prevention Certification Training Standard.

This one-day training program is designed to provide practical education about musculoskeletal injury prevention to protect workers from ergonomic hazards. The six learning modules are comprised of several practical activities that will enable participants to better understand and apply ergonomics concepts and principles in the workplace. It teaches how to recognize MSI hazards and eliminate them or minimize risk when elimination is not possible. In addition, participants will learn about each workplace party’s legislative duties for MSI prevention.

Only approved trainers are permitted to instruct this certification training program. Each trainer must have demonstrated specific eligibility requirements and passed a formal trainer assessment by WorkplaceNL prior to being approved to instruct Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention Certification Training. By developing a training standard, along with a detailed curriculum, WorkplaceNL has set the benchmark for all training providers to deliver consistent and quality learning objectives and instruction.

To register for a course, visit the Certification Training Registry.

Click here, if you are interested in becoming an approved trainer for Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention.