Define and Measure
Problem
Overview of the Basic Approaches to the
Recognition, Measurement, and Control of
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders
Revised 3/06
1
Organization of the Rule
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Subpart A - Purpose
Subpart B - Scope
Subpart C - Forms and recording criteria
Subpart D - Other requirements
Subpart E - Reporting to the government
Subpart F - Transition
Subpart G - Definitions
2
Recording Criteria
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Subpart C - Recordkeeping Forms and
Recording Criteria
 1904.4
Recording criteria
 1904.5 Work-relatedness
 1904.6 New case
 1904.7 General recording criteria
 1904.8 Needlesticks and sharps
 1904.9 Medical removal
 1904.10 Hearing loss
 1904.11 Tuberculosis
 1904.29 Forms
3
1904.4 – Recording Criteria
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Covered employers must record each
fatality, injury or illness that:
 is
work-related, and
 is a new case, and
 meets one or more of the criteria contained
in sections 1904.7 through 1904.11.
4
1904.29 - Forms
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OSHA Form 300, Log of Work-Related
Injuries and Illnesses
OSHA Form 300A, Summary of WorkRelated Injuries and Illnesses
OSHA Form 301, Injury and Illness
Incident Report
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Incidence Rates
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Formula for calculation
N
Rate per 100
full time workers
=
x 200,000
Hours worked
7
Injury Analysis
Frequency (Total Recordable Case Rate)
 Severity (DART Rate)
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Upper Extremity WMSDs
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Tendon Disorders
 Tendonitis
 Tenosynovitis
 Lateral
Epicondylitis
 Medial Epicondylitis
 Ganglion Cysts
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Nerve Disorders
 Nerve
entrapments
 Carpel Tunnel Syndrome
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Neurovascular Disorder
 Hand
Arm Vibration Syndrome
 Thoracic Outlet Syndrome
Location of Upper Extremity Disorders
Overview of Symptoms
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Ganglion Cyst
Synovial sheath swells and holds fluid
 Often seen in the wrist as a bump
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Epicondylitis (lateral and medial)
Unsheathed tendons become irritated
 Pain that extends from elbow through forearm
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Overview of Symptoms
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Tenosynovitis
Swelling of the synovial sheath
 Pain and swelling
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Tendonitis
Tendon becomes inflamed
 Pain, swelling, weakness, tenderness
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Overview of Symptoms
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Nerve entrapments
 Carpel
tunnel syndrome
Swelling of the tendons in the wrist area that place
pressure on the median nerve
 Symptoms include pain, numbness, and tingling of
the hand (thumb and first 3 digits)
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Overview of Symptoms
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Neurovascular disorders
 Thoracic
Outlet Syndrome
Compression of the nerves and blood vessels of
the neck and shoulder
 Symptoms like CTS extending up the arm
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 Hand
Arm Vibration Syndrome
Disorder of the small vessels and nerves of the
fingers and hand
 Results from vibrating hand tools
 Localized blanching at the fingertips with
numbness on exposure to cold or vibration
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Back Pain
2nd leading ailment that affects the 25–50
age group
 Back injuries account for ~ 20% of all
workplace injuries and illnesses
 Costs $20-50 billion a year

The Spinal Column
•7 cervical vertebrae
•12 thoracic vertebrae
•5 lumbar vertebrae
•5 sacral vertebrae
•4 coccygeal vertebrae
The Basics
Two Basic Structures
1.
Vertebrae
2.
Discs
Injuries of the Back
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Pinched nerves
 Static
postures, improper posture
 Acute trauma
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Pulled Muscles
 Heavy
lifting
 Improper lifting technique
Symptoms of Back Pain
Pain (dull, consistent and sharp)
 Numbness
 Tingling
 Aching
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What if I do not have MSDs
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www.bls.gov
A Proactive Problem-Solving Approach
1. Look for Clues
2. Prioritize Job Improvements
3. Make Improvements
4. Follow-Up
Body Part Discomfort Map
Body Part Discomfort Map
Body Part Discomfort Map
Look for Clues – Observe Work Activities
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Physical Work Risk Factors
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Lifting/forceful movements, awkward postures, whole body vibration
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Unnecessary handling of materials
Symptomatic Worker Behaviors
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Fatigue, discomfort, ‘pain behaviors’, etc.
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Increased absenteeism, turnover rates or complaints and reduced
morale
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Workplace Design Issues
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Are workers modifying tools, equipment, or workstations on their
own?
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Malfunctioning equipment
Productivity Issues
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Production bottlenecks, reduced level of quality, missed deadlines,
increase in waste/scrap, etc.
Look for Clues – Use Assessment
Tools
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Checklists
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General Ergonomics Evaluations
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Risk Factor / Activity Specific
Task Analyses
Early Detection Program