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Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI) - Part 2
WHAT IS A MUSCULOSKELETAL INJURY (MSI)?
MSI is an injury or disorder to the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, nerves, blood vessels or related soft tissue. MSIs include injuries such as sprains, strains, carpal tunnel syndrome, bursitis, and tendonitis.
HAZARDS OF MSI
The risk factors for MSI are the physical demands of the task:
Force
Lifting, lowering, carrying, pushing, pulling, and grip, and the exertion required
Repetition
Risk increases with the speed of the repetitive action, duration of the task, frequency of task, and force required to complete the task.
Awkward Posture
Examples include: bending, twisting, static positions, and overhead reaching.
The length of time and physical exertion required to complete your task contribute to the risk of an MSI injury.
ASSESS THE RISK
As stated in the Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation Part 8, when an employer is aware or made aware of a risk for MSI’s, they must ensure the risk is assessed and implement control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk or injury.
REDUCING MSI RISKS
Learn about the hazards and risks of task you complete with your jobs.
Learn about the signs and symptoms of injury, and importance of reporting at their onset.
Identify tasks that put you at risk for developing an MSI.
Take training to learn the best methods for safely completing manual materials handling (MMH) and safe patient handling (SPH) tasks.
Use lifting devices and follow safe work procedures for SPH or MMH.
If you identify a task that causes you pain, or discomfort talk to your immediate supervisor or workplace health and safety committee member to address the issue and problem solve solutions.
For further information refer to Manitoba Workplace Safety and Health Regulation:
Part 8 - Musculoskeletal Injuries
Part 39 - Health Care Facilities
