Harper College will be closed Monday, December 23 through Wednesday, January 1 for Winter Break.
Musculoskeletal injuries in the workplace, no matter the industry, are very common. Of the many types, some are more common than others. The Bureau of Labor Statistics of the Department of Labor defines “MSDs as musculoskeletal system and connective tissue diseases and disorders when the event or exposure leading to the case is bodily reaction (e.g., bending, climbing, crawling, reaching, twisting), overexertion or repetitive motion.” Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSD) typically include the following types of issues:
Multiple studies, coupled with research-backed determinations/findings, show how safety training and prevention help to prevent many of these types of injuries. One of the best ways to use the information and program strategies would be to create a campaign to promote a culture of safety. Involve workers in the development, theme and or company-wide approach. Everyone’s involvement creates a sense of ownership, belonging and pride. The following is a list of resources that share statistical data on the types of WMSD injuries and different prevention strategies.
Some of the first steps toward prevention that OSHA2 recommends include identifying workplace activities leading to WMSDs and ergonomics training.
Beginning in January 2024, Harper College’s Occupational Safety & Health (OSH) Training Program will offer ergonomic training on proper lifting and other related topics in one of the free warehouse safety classes: Warehouse 104: Physical Hazards in the Workplace.
Stay tuned for updates on how and when to register!