Occupational MSD is referred to as job-related injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal disks. Typical injuries associated with MSD would include Carpal tunnel, rotator cuff, trigger finger, tarsal tunnel, tendinitis, carpet layer’s knee, etc. In 1994, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that approximately 705,800 cases of medical leave from work were associated to overexertion or repetitive motions such as lifting/manual handling^[1]. In Singapore, 73.4% of the 324 respondents for a study conducted by the Singapore General Hospital (SGH) reported experiencing pain in at least one of their body parts^[2].

The possible causes of such high non-fatal occupational injuries and ill-health could be attributed to vibration, posture, force and repetition of work. Ill-designed furniture and poor workplace layout are also contributing factors to the increasing numbers in MSD cases. Besides physical factors, psycho-social factors such as perceptions of intensified workload, monotonous work, limited job control, low job clarity and low social support may have an impact on work-related musculoskeletal disorders.

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), Ministry of Manpower (MOM) and other such OSH institutions have developed various best practices that minimizes the likelihood of MSDs at workplaces. They include adoption of the following measures:

• Equipment
  • Adequate work space, easily adjustable “brightness control” on computers to reduce eye strain, positioning of keyboard to allow the arm to remain in a relaxed position with the upper arm at a right angle to the elbow, posture enhancing adjustable chairs, installing drapes and blinds to reduce glare
    
    
• Work Practices
  • Decrease the duration of static posture, minimize awkward postures by better workplace layout
    
    
• Scheduling
  • Rotate work activities to minimize sedentary lifestyle
    
    
• Training
  • Periodic training and re-assessment on taking breaks between work, maintaining good physical fitness and conditioning

With the implementation of one or a combination of these measures, specific goals related to MSD prevention may be achieved for employees resulting in their overcoming the effects of such disabilities.

Sruti Lal Senior Consultant CLC, PSB Academy Pte Ltd

[1] Singapore Health Services – Musculoskeletal Disorders and Office Ergonomics: http://www.singhealth.com/healthmatters
[2] National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) – Publication No. 97-141
http://www.cdc.gov/niosh

HAPPENINGS AT CLC

Keeping in mind the trends and causes of occupational musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), we at CLC wanted to create a better work environment with the ultimate goal of reducing occupational injuries and ill-health. The management of CLC has introduced the ‘Healthy Lifestyle’ campaign to help facilitate activities that promote better and healthier lifestyles.

The following activities have been planned for the year 2009 that include badminton, table tennis, trekking at Bukit Timah and Telok Blangah Hill Park, beach volleyball, paintball and so on. The activities have been planned keeping in mind the need to eliminate psycho-social factors such as work stress, job monotony and improve social interaction.