EMPLOYER
WSPS.CA
130-BPS-13-IGOT © 2024, Workplace Safety & Prevention Services (WSPS)
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Materials Handling & Musculoskeletal Disorder Prevention
What Employers Need to Know
Anytime a worker must move materials, articles, or things there is a risk of injury
if they do not do it safely. Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) include muscle, soft-
tissue, joint, bone, and nerve injuries that may occur suddenly or develop over
time. It is important for employers to understand how these injuries occur and to
design work to be done in a safe manner.
What causes MSDs?
Repetitive motions, awkward postures, heavy forces, and poor lifting, pushing,
pulling, or storage practices can cause MSDs.
MSD RISK FACTOR CONTROL RECOMMENDATION
Awkward Posture:
Neutral joint postures are those that reduce strain and
fatigue on the joints and muscles. Neutral posture is
standing straight, with arms at your sides. Tasks that
require movement outside of this position may increase
the risk of injury.
Design work with ergonomics in mind and ensure
that the workers are able to work in neutral body
positions as much as possible.
Repetitive Motion:
Doing the same tasks or movements consistently and
without rest can fatigue muscles and other body tissues,
especially if limited to specific muscles and joints.
When setting up work processes, try to include job
rotation or variety in the tasks done by workers to
reduce repetitive strain.
Force:
The amount of effort required to lift, pull, push,
or handle items; higher forces place additional strain
on muscles and joints, increasing the risk of injury.
Whenever possible, use lifting equipment and devices
to move heavy or awkwardly sized items.
