What are MSDs?

In this chapter, we look at a wide range of conditions coming under the general term musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs), including upper limb disorders (ULDs). The advice refers to ergonomic risk assessment.

There is no ‘accepted’ definition, according to HSE Research Report 323 Obstacles to recovery from msds in industry (2005), but the following description may be helpful:

Musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries and disorders of the muscles, nerves, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and spinal disc; examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, rotator cuff tendonitis, and tension neck syndrome. (see ergoweb)

See also HSE's MSD home page which states:

Musculo-skeletal disorders (MSDs) are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting some 1.0 million people a year. They include problems such as low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts.

MSDs can affect many parts of the body and can be caused by a wide variety of occupational tasks. They also account for a high proportion of work-related absence, making them worthy of extra attention in order to reduce injuries and help maintain a productive workforce.


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