Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Learn about Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs), their causes and how you can prevent or minimise them in the workplace.

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Common Musculoskeletal Disorders and Causes
Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Workplace ergonomics deals with manual lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling of heavy loads, over-exertion, awkward postures and repetitive actions, which can lead to the development of WRMSDs. WRMSDs are characterised by discomfort, impairment, disability, or persistent pains in joints, muscles, tendons or other soft tissues.

WRMSDs can affect employees in the industrial, commercial, healthcare, hospitality and service sectors, as well as offices and other workplaces. Occupations that are more susceptible to WRMSDs include machine operators, parts assembly workers, movers, nurses, warehouse workers, stock keepers, computer users, typists and musicians.

Common Musculoskeletal Disorders and Causes

Most people experience aches or pains in the affected body parts. The severity of the symptoms varies depending on exposure.

The following table shows some WRMSDs and their causes:

WRMSD	Causes(s)
Low back pain	Heavy lifting, carrying or pushing, sudden overloads, repetitive loading Awkward posture during work e.g. twisting or side bending of body
Carpal tunnel syndrome (pain, numbness and/or tingling in fingers)	Frequent and repetitive hand activity such as typing, hammering and polishing
De Quervain’s Tenosynovitis (pain in the wrist)	Forceful gripping or hand twisting
Epicondylitis (inflammation of the elbow tendon)	Frequent use of screwdriver, hammering, meat cutting
Neck and shoulder pain	Prolonged static bend posture or twisting of neck e.g. using telephone, doing data-entry Hands extended above head e.g. overhead maintenance/repair work

Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders

Below are some common workplace risk factors associated with WRMSDs and their preventive measures:

Workplace Risk Factor	Preventive Measure(s)
Heavy loads (e.g. carrying heavy objects over long distances)	Apply correct lifting techniques. Use mechanical tool e.g. hand trolley.
Awkward postures (e.g. twisting about the waist)	Have adjustable workstations/equipment. Use ergonomically designed hand tools.
Static postures (e.g. standing or sitting in same position for long period)	Provide anti-fatigue mats to stand. Change position or stretch when tired.
Repetitive actions (e.g. packing goods along process lines)	Take rest breaks at regular intervals. Do simple stretching exercises.
Whole body vibration (e.g. driving heavy vehicles)	Perform regular maintenance of vehicle suspension systems. Inflate tyres at correct air pressure.