1. Selected topics

MSD prevention

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) refer to injuries of the muscles, ligaments and other soft tissues, including back, neck, shoulder and wrist pain. They are also known as repetitive strain injuries and cumulative trauma disorders. IWH conducts a wide range of research on MSDs—exploring how often they occur, what work-related factors contribute to them, their treatment and functional assessment, and the system- and workplace-level prevention and return-to-work programs that can help prevent and manage them.

Featured

A New Zealand construction worker holding papers looking off-camera with a city skyline behind
Impact case study

Construction safety org adapts IWH research messages for tradesworker audience

A key program from Construction Health and Safety New Zealand—developed using IWH research—takes a participatory ergonomics approach to better prevent and manage musculoskeletal injuries among construction workers.
Published: February 28, 2024
A female construction worker stands next to a steel girder
Tools and guides

Implementing MSI prevention programs: Advice from workplaces for workplaces

Musculoskeletal injuries are a substantial burden to society and to workplaces worldwide. The known occupational risk factors are many and prevention requires creative solutions. This resource offers MSI prevention programs and practices, drawn from research and practice evidence.
Published: February 10, 2021
A man places a hand on his right shoulder
Impact case study

Ontario prevention system produces MSD toolkit

IWH joins system partners in the creation of the MSD Prevention Guideline, an essential resource for province's enforcement efforts.
Published: September 2010
Journal article
Journal article

Systematic review of the role of occupational health and safety interventions in the prevention of upper extremity musculoskeletal symptoms, signs, disorders, injuries, claims and lost time

Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, June 2010
Journal article
Journal article

Occupational safety and health interventions to reduce musculoskeletal symptoms in the health care sector

Published: Journal of Occupational Rehabilitation, June 2010
At Work article
At Work article

Picture this: Using visual symbols to identify MSD hazards

Institute for Work & Health (IWH) researchers are playing a role in developing novel pictograms that convey both musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) hazards and controls.
Published: April 2010
A health-care worker helps a client to her feet
Research Highlights

Reducing musculoskeletal symptoms in health-care workers

Multi-component patient handling interventions can improve musculoskeletal health among health-care workers, including: a policy change at the worksite; implementation of new lift/transfer equipment; and broad-based training on the new equipment.
Published: January 2010
A man at the computer keyboard massages his wrist
Research Highlights

Which workplace interventions are most effective in preventing upper extremity MSDs?

Ergonomics training, exercise programs, alternative pointing devices and keyboards and so on. A broad range of workplace interventions are available to reduce musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the arm, hand, shoulder and neck. Which ones are effective?
Published: January 2010
A close-up view of a pair of hands using an ergonomic keyboard
Research Highlights

Are ergonomic interventions cost-effective?

There is strong evidence that ergonomic interventions result in positive financial returns for firms in the manufacturing and warehousing sector and moderate evidence for the administrative and support services and health-care sectors.
Published: January 2010
At Work article
At Work article

Ergonomics case study: Car parts manufacturer realizes benefits of PE program

An Ontario manufacturer opened its doors to researchers who helped implement a participatory ergonomics (PE) program to improve the musculoskeletal health of workers. The company has since learned that the PE program saved it almost a quarter-of-a-million dollars — and in the most unexpected place.
Published: July 2009
A view from the back of a woman holding her neck
Sharing Best Evidence

Do workplace programs protect upper extremity musculoskeletal health?

Injuries to the upper extremity are common among workers, accounting for about 30 per cent of lost-time claims in Ontario in 2006. The upper extremity includes the neck, shoulder, upper arm, elbow, forearm, wrist and hand. This systematic review looked at the effectiveness of interventions to prevent upper extremity disorders and traumatic injuries.
Published: February 2009
At Work article
At Work article

Preventing upper extremity MSDs: What works and what doesn’t

The strongest evidence to come out of a new systematic review from the Institute for Work & Health is that workstation adjustments alone have no effect in preventing upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders. However, there are indications that adding ergonomics training to the mix may make a di
Published: February 2009