Musculoskeletal Disorders

Washington — OSHA’s administrator no longer has to consult with the agency’s Advisory Committee on Construction Safety and Health to “promulgate, modify or revoke standards applicable to construction work.”

San Francisco — Employers at poultry- and pork-processing plants can help reduce musculoskeletal injuries by providing care beyond first aid and encouraging workers to report symptoms early, a University of California researcher contends.

Looking up and down on a consistent basis or for long periods of time can overload your muscles, and may lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

St. Catharines, Ontario — Exoskeletons could help prevent lower back injuries that stem from lifting objects, according to a recent study out of Canada.

Washington — Stating that “extensive research has confirmed no direct link between processing speeds and workplace injuries” at pork- and poultry-processing plants, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says it will “formalize” faster line speeds initially allowed at certain facilities as part of a trial period.

Washington — More effective injury surveillance can provide the necessary data to help organizations prevent musculoskeletal disorders, according to a new resource from the National Safety Council.

San Francisco — Janitorial workers can lower their risk of musculoskeletal injuries by rotating job tasks and, when possible, reducing force, University of California researchers say.

Boca Raton, FL — People with chronic low back pain may experience significant improvements in pain-related issues, sleep and more by practicing qigong, Florida Atlantic University researchers say after they studied the effects on a group of military veterans.

The need for safe practices extends to all areas of a workplace – including offices.

Washington — Increased line speeds in poultry- and pork-processing plants aren’t the “leading factor in worker musculoskeletal disorder risk” but combine with other factors to contribute to employees’ overall risk, the U.S. Department of Agriculture says.