Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refer to injuries of the muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues, including back, neck, shoulder and wrist pain. They are also known as repetitive strain injuries and cumulative trauma disorders. IWH conducts a wide range of research on MSDs—exploring how often they occur, what work-related factors contribute to them, their treatment and functional assessment, and the system- and workplace-level prevention and return-to-work programs that can help prevent and manage them.
Tools and guides
Using IWH research to prevent MSDs (published 2017)
eOfficeErgo: Ergonomics e-learning for office workers (published 2015)
Participative Ergonomic Blueprint (published 2003)
Projects
Presentations
Introducing the new MSD Prevention Guideline for Ontario. IWH Speaker Series. October 2, 2018.
Preventing musculoskeletal disorders: Findings from a systematic review update. IWH Speaker Series. June 3, 2014.
Movement analysis of firefighters using gaming and simulation technology. IWH Speaker Series. March 18, 2014.
At Work articles
Cochrane back group earns high praise for its rigorous systematic reviews. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 102, Fall 2020.
Setting up a temporary home office. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 100, Spring 2020.
PREMUS 2016 brings together MSD prevention scientists and practitioners to share evidence. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 85, Summer 2016.
Eight safety leading indicators for the construction worksite . At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 85, Summer 2016.
'Too much standing hurts, too' . At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 85, Summer 2016.
Forceful repetition a carpal tunnel risk factor. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 85, Summer 2016.
PREMUS 2016 keynote speakers tackle leading-edge issues in MSD prevention. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 83, Winter 2016.
Understanding MSDs with sex/gender lens. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 85, Summer 2016.
Mark your calendars for PREMUS 2016 . At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 80, Spring 2015.
Online office ergonomics training program now available from IWH. At Work: Institute for Work & Health; No. 80, Spring 2015.
Scientific publications
Van Eerd D, Irvin E, Le Pouésard M, Butt A, Nasir K. Workplace musculoskeletal disorder prevention practices and experiences. Inquiry. 2022;59:1-13. doi:10.1177/00469580221092132.
Van Eerd D, D'Elia T, Ferron EM, Robson LS, Amick B. Implementation of participatory organizational change in long term care to improve safety. Journal of Safety Research. 2021;78:9-18. doi:10.1016/j.jsr.2021.05.002.
Maas ET, Koehoorn M, McLeod CB. Does gradually returning to work improve time to sustainable work after a work-acquired musculoskeletal disorder in British Columbia, Canada? A matched cohort effectiveness study. Occupational & Environmental Medicine. 2021;78(10):715-723. doi:10.1136/oemed-2020-107014.
Van Eerd D, Irvin E, Le Pouésard M, Butt A, Nasir K. Musculoskeletal injury (MSI) prevention: a practical implementation resource for Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). Institute for Work & Health; 2020.
Macpherson RA, Lane TJ, Collie A, McLeod CB. Age, sex, and the changing disability burden of compensated work-related musculoskeletal disorders in Canada and Australia. BMC Public Health. 2018;18(1):758. doi:10.1186/s12889-018-5590-7.
Research summaries
Implementing participatory ergonomics in the long-term care sector. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, February 2022.
Workers’ and managers’ perspectives on workplace supports for depression. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, January 2022.
What workplace interventions help workers with MSDs, pain and mental health conditions return to work?. Sharing Best Evidence: Institute for Work & Health, December 2019.
What workplace programs help prevent upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders?. Sharing Best Evidence: Institute for Work & Health, October 2016.
Pain and long-term absences among Canadian nurses with MSIs. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, January 2013.
Changes in physiotherapy use for MSDs highlight inequality of access. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, January 2011.
Reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in health-care workers. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, January 2010.
Which workplace interventions are most effective in preventing upper extremity MSDs?. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, January 2010.
Are ergonomic interventions cost-effective?. Research Highlights: Institute for Work & Health, January 2010.
Do workplace programs protect upper extremity musculoskeletal health?. Sharing Best Evidence: Institute for Work & Health, February 2009.
Impact
Construction safety org adapts IWH research messages for tradesworker audience . Impact case study: Institute for Work & Health, February 2024.
Reduced soft-tissue injuries at Ontario utility attributed to work by ergonomics team set up during IWH study. Impact case study: Institute for Work & Health, December 2016.
Ontario prevention system produces MSD toolkit. Impact case study: Institute for Work & Health, September 2010.