This document discusses ergonomics issues in the workplace. It notes that back injuries are a leading cause of disability in the US for those under 45 and accounted for a large portion of workers' compensation costs. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refer to injuries or illnesses affecting the musculoskeletal system, including strains, sprains, and inflammation. Common risk factors for MSDs include awkward postures, repetitive motions, prolonged duration of tasks, and high frequency of motions. The document provides examples of how each of these physical risk factors can contribute to MSDs. It also notes that psychosocial risk factors like a lack of job control can increase stress levels and the risk of injury.

1. Module 1: Ergonomics Issues in the Workspace

4. Body Parts, Symptoms and Causes of Musculoskeletal Disorders Body Parts Affected Symptoms Possible Causes thumbs pain at the base of the thumbs twisting and gripping fingers difficulty moving finger; snapping and jerking movements repeatedly using the index fingers shoulders pain, stiffness working with the hands above the head hands, wrists pain, swelling repetitive or forceful hand and wrist motions fingers, hands numbness, tingling; ashen skin; loss of feeling and Control exposure to vibration fingers, wrists tingling, numbness, severe pain; loss of strength, sensation in the thumbs, index, or middle or half of the ring fingers repetitive and forceful manual tasks without time to recover back low back pain, shooting pain or numbness in the upper legs whole body vibration

6. Physical Risk factors Physical Risk factors (majority) Awkward postures Repetitive motions Duration Frequency