Musculoskeletal Disorders And Ergonomic Best Practices

Keeping U In Mind

Did You Know?

The National Academic Press (2001) wrote that on an annual basis, musculoskeletal disorders accounted for nearly 70 million physician office visits in the US. It also stated that in 1999, almost a million workers required time away from work for treatment or recovery related to musculoskeletal disorders. Why is this important? As our economy grows and job market demand increases, employers must consider how job tasks are affecting their staff. Although technology has made the workplace more efficient and convenient for workers, there are still basic tasks that involve pulling, pushing, and lifting that pose a risk to organizations. If not properly considered, companies may be placing undue burdens on themselves, including but not limited to, injured workers, lost productivity, lost wages, and other incurred fees. Liberty Mutual estimates the cost associated with MSD’s to be around $13.4 billion every year. Can you afford not to manage this risk properly?

Where To Start

Here are some basic best practices to consider.  In addition, an INSURICA representative can also direct you to best in class solutions and help identify gaps in your program.

Train workers in the latest ergonomic practices to reduce the chances of injury related to stepping, handling, and lifting.

Click Here to get your step-by-step Guide to Creating An Ergonomics Program provided by INSURICA.

Perform Fit-for-Work testing, which focuses on screening potential employees and identifying possible risk factors that may contribute to a musculoskeletal disorder.
Have a good return-to-work program for your employees. Return-to-work can have a significant impact on your EMOD, which in turn effects the cost of insurance.
Design the workplace to fit the employee, adjust workstations where feasible, and provide mechanical lifting aids when possible.
Develop company policies that address lifting tasks, what size, what weight. Look for ways to address repetitive activities.
Ensure your workers compensation policy is right for your business. Talk to an expert!

Talk to a professional risk management provider that can identify gaps and exposures in your workplace and insurance policy.