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Musculoskeletal Injuries: They are Preventable!
Acknowledging Safe Work Month with Accumax Global: Musculoskeletal Injuries.
We’ve arrived at the final week of Safe Work Month, with our final topic being Musculoskeletal Injuries.
Safe Work Month has given the community, and wider industry sectors the opportunity to understand topics of workplace safety and reflect on how they are making a difference to the safety of their people in their communities.
Whilst safety is the core of what we do at Accumax Global, the importance of education and knowledge around innovation and health topics cannot be understated. It’s how we keep making work environments safer, day in and day out, and it’s how we are entrusted to support workplaces in their roles to reduce risk of injury and death and their workplaces.
Accounting for half of all serious workers’ compensation claims in 2022-23, is musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) (1).
Musculoskeletal Disorders have become a prevalent concern in workplaces and understanding the nuances of these disorders, their causes, prevention and management is not just a matter of health and safety but a strategic imperative for fostering a productive and sustainable work environment. (2).
Let’s learn more about what they are and how to manage the risk of them.
What are Musculoskeletal Injuries?
Musculoskeletal injuries if not managed can lead to musculoskeletal disorders which in effect can lead to:
- Absenteeism
- Reduced mobility
- Long-term disability
- Pain and suffering
- Swelling and tenderness
- Reduced range of motion or joint stiffness
- Tingling or numbness
- A reduced quality of life
- Associated healthcare costs.
When an injury causes damage to muscles, bones, tendons, nerves, ligaments, and other parts of the musculoskeletal system, it is referred to as a musculoskeletal injury.
They can affect many areas of the body including the lower back, shoulders, neck, elbows, hands or wrists, legs or feet.
You may come across other names for MSIs or MSDs, these are (3):
- Strains and sprains
- Repetitive strain injuries (RSIs)
- Cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs)
- Occupational overuse syndrome (OOS)
What are the Common Causes of Musculoskeletal Injuries?
Musculoskeletal injuries are not new, but they’re also not going away. Why? Accumax Director, Jerry Martin says, “We believe it’s hard for workplaces to identify the cause and effect – to link the actual task or problem at hand with common complaints from employees that may not yet be labelled as an injury as such”.
Jerry explained the fatigue and soreness that underground mining personnel were experiencing when operating jumbo drills. “Ultimately the heavy vibration experienced repetitively by the operators can cause significant long-term health effects, the Operators were reporting extreme fatigue and soreness and when we arrived onsite, we were able to present a solution that was ergonomically beneficial”, said Jerry.
The common reported causes of MSIs are including but not limited to:
- Poor ergonomics. Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker, providing comfort and efficiency
- Poor habits and techniques. These can include Incorrect lifting and tool usage techniques
- Repetitive movements
- Ignoring warning signs
- Taking risks or shortcuts to get the job done
How do MSI’s Effect the Workplace?
Musculoskeletal injuries can have detrimental effects on the workplace, beyond workers compensation claims, these can include:
- Reduced Productivity
- Low employee well-being and morale
- Increased healthcare costs for the employee and the workplace
According to the World Health Organisation MSDs rank number 2 worldwide in shortening people’s working years (3).
The Good News? MSIs are Preventable!
What can you do to Create a Healthier Workforce?
A workplace that fosters encouragement of positive well-being will effectively contribute to reducing musculoskeletal injuries.
Here are a few ways that you can work to identify hazards in your workplace (2):
- Conducting regular risk assessments
- Engagement between workers, employers and supervisors
- Encouraging prevention behaviours by training staff on the risks associated with MSIs and risk management
- Providing the correct tools and equipment
- Provide an environment that encourages breaks and stretching
Join the Movement
This Safe Work Month let’s unite to increase awareness and understanding of safety hazards and solutions.
For more information and resources on Musculoskeletal Injuries, visit:
- Lifting, pushing and pulling (manual tasks) | Safe Work Australia
- model Code of Practice: Hazardous manual tasks | Safe Work Australia
- Model Code of Practice: How to manage work health and safety risks | Safe Work Australia
About Accumax Global
Accumax Global is a leading provider of high-quality industrial and commercial safety products and services, committed to excellence and innovation. Our comprehensive suite of solutions is designed to meet the dynamic needs of our clients across various industries, including manufacturing, mining, defence and logistics. As a reputable provider of safety solutions, Accumax stands by their promise of ‘Raising the Safety Standard’ to eliminate the risk of serious injury or death in workplaces across Australia. For more information about our products and services, please visit our home page or contact us at:
- Phone: 1300 222 862
- Email: [email protected]
- Address: 58 Catalano Circuit, Canning Vale WA
Let’s work together to ensure a safe future for all.
