Musculoskeletal Disorders

Office workers are at risk for a number of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) - chronic conditions that affect the body's muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves. Sometimes injuries in this category are referred to as Repetitive Motion Disorders (RMDs), Repetitive Motion Injuries (RMI), Overuse Syndrome, or Cumulative Trauma Disorders (CTDs). In any case, these injuries can develop over time from the following factors:

• Body postures that are awkward, uncomfortable, and maintained for too long a time
• Repetitive or forceful hand movements
• Pressure points
• Fast working pace

MSDs are a serious problem for employers. The economic burden, including workers' compensation costs, lost wages, and lost productivity, is estimated to be between $45 and $54 billion annually.

To learn more about Office Ergonomics visit our Office Ergonomics Online Training web page.