5 Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders

Occupational Musculoskeletal Disorders

• Common among workers, affecting millions across Europe.
• Significant economic cost to employers; crucial for business.

Definition and Overview

• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs): Disorders of body structures (muscles, tendons, joints) caused primarily by work and environment.
• Can be cumulative from prolonged exposure to various work conditions, including acute trauma from accidents.

Factors Leading to MSDs

1. Physical Factors:

   • Lifting, pushing, pulling, and repetitive movement.
   • Static postures and prolonged sitting/standing.
   • Exposure to vibrations and extreme temperatures.

2. Organizational & Psychosocial Factors:

   • High work responsibility/stress.
   • Low job satisfaction; lack of support at work.

3. Individual Factors:

   • Personal medical history, age, sex, obesity, and lifestyle (smoking).

Prevalence and Impact

• MSDs comprised 59% of recognized diseases in 2005, significantly affecting women.
• Self-reported incidences indicate higher rates than officially recognized cases.

Clinical Manifestations

• Common syndromes include bursitis, epicondylitis, trigger fingers, and lumbalgia.
• Diagnosis may involve physical examinations and diagnostic imaging.

Prevention Strategies

• Eliminate risk factors; adapt work processes to workers’ needs.
• Implement health & safety regulations, including collective protective measures.
• Regular medical examinations for at-risk occupations (e.g., healthcare, textiles).

Industrial Microclimate Types

1. Overheating

   • Disrupts thermoregulation and can lead to heat stress.

2. Overcooling

   • Involves excessive heat loss, risking hypothermia.

3. Static Microclimate

   • Steady environmental conditions can hinder adaptation.

4. Dynamic Microclimate

   • Abrupt environmental changes cause thermoregulation stress.

5. IRR Microclimate

   • Characterized by excessive infrared radiation affecting health.

Thermal and Non-Thermal Factors

• Thermal: Temperature, humidity, air velocity, radiation.
• Non-Thermal: Body traits & clothing characteristics impact thermal comfort.

Contraindications for High and Low Temperatures

• Chronic health conditions of various systems can disqualify individuals from specific work environments.

Self-Check Questions

1. Define occupational musculoskeletal disorders.
2. Identify body parts commonly affected by MSD.
3. List factors leading to MSD.
4. Describe preventive methods for MSD.
5. What types of industrial microclimates exist?