Author Question: What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? How can ergonomics benefit a workforce with a high number ... (Read 180 times)

MirandaLo · **on:** Jul 6, 2018

What are musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs)? How can ergonomics benefit a workforce with a high number of employees affected by MSDs?

What will be an ideal response?

Question 2

What is the second leading cause of death in the workplace after auto accidents?

A) falls
B) assaults
C) explosions
D) homicides

kiamars2010 · **Reply #1 on:** Jul 6, 2018

Answer to Question 1

Answer: Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are conditions that affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Work-related MSDs, including tendonitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, and back pain, cost U.S. companies 61.2 billion annually just to cover lost productivity. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 400,000 MSD cases accounted for 34 percent of all injury and illness cases in 2012. The median days away from work was 12 days. The highest incidence rate occurred for laborer and freight, stock, and material movers. Back problems accounted for 41.2 percent of total MSDs. Ergonomics is the process of designing the workplace to support the capabilities of people and job/task demands. Through ergonomics, the goal is to fit the machine and work environment to the person, rather than require the person to make the adjustment. Ergonomics includes all attempts to structure work conditions so that they maximize energy conservation, promote good posture, and allow workers to function without pain or impairment. Failure to address ergonomics issues results in fatigue, poor performance, and repetitive stress injuries.

Answer to Question 2

Answer: D