Musculoskeletal injuries (MSIs) or work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) account for about 35%* of the lost-time claims submitted to WorkSafeNB. They are in a group of painful disorders of muscles, tendons and nerves, often resulting from overuse over time.
Frequent and repetitive tasks or activities with awkward postures cause these disorders, and the worker can experience pain while at work or at rest.
Other terms for MSIs include repetitive strain injuries, repetitive motion injuries, cumulative trauma disorders, occupational cervicobrachial disorders, overuse syndrome, regional musculoskeletal disorders and soft-tissue disorders.
Care may involve physiotherapists, occupational therapists, chiropractors, ergonomists, physicians and mental health professionals.
WorkSafeNB offers print and online resources to educate employers and workers on MSI prevention. It also has shoulder and back programs to help workers safely return to work.
Resources:
Musculoskeletal Injuries, WorkSafeNB
Ergonomics and Musculoskeletal Injury (MSI), WorkSafeNB
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs), Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety
* 2017 data