MSD prevention
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.
Featured
Video
Participatory approach to health and safety in long-term care
Involve front-line staff when identifying and controlling hazards at long-term care homes. Those who do a job every day know the associated hazards best. A participatory approach can help prevent injuries.
Published: October 2, 2019
Research Highlights
Research Highlights
Ergonomics eases pain of repetitive strain injury
A worksite ergonomics program was linked to a drop in frequent and severe pain among those with repetitive strain injuries. Supervisor support and workers' ability to make decisions are also significant factors.
Published: January 2006
Tools and guides
Participative Ergonomic Blueprint
This step-by-step facilitator's guide is designed to help with the implementation of a successful participatory ergonomics program as part of an organization’s health and safety program.
Published: January 2003
Project
Project
Interventions in health-care settings to protect musculoskeletal health: a systematic review
Status: Completed 2006
Project
Project
Role of workplace interventions to prevent upper extremity MSDs: a systematic review
Status: Completed 2008
Project
Project
Workplace interventions to prevent musculoskeletal and visual symptoms and disorders among computer users: a systematic review
This systematic review evaluated the effects of workplace interventions on visual or upper body musculoskeletal symptoms and disorders among computer users. The goal was to provide scientifically credible evidence about how to reduce the health risks associated with computer work.
Status: Completed 2006
Project
Project
Effective workplace interventions to prevent upper extremity disorders: a systematic review update
Status: Completed 2016