Sprains and strains account for almost 40% of injuries registered with the Workplace Safety and Insurance Board. That's why you should take a close look at potential hazards associated with musculoskeletal disorders within your warehouse. Simple low-cost solutions are often all that is needed to offset the impact of these hazards on both the employee and the organization. MSDs are injuries and disorders of the musculoskeletal system which includes the muscles, tendons, nerves and other soft tissues. MSDs can occur anywhere in the body. The back is the most common but the shoulders, neck, elbows, hands and wrists are also frequently involved. MSDs occur in the workplace when the demands of the job exceed the capabilities of the worker. They're usually associated with three main hazards. Force when moving product and equipment. Repetition when using the same body parts repeatedly with few breaks or chances to rest. And awkward posture when the muscle tissue is put at a mechanical disadvantage. One of these hazards alone may not result in an injury but the combined effect can create the perfect storm for a soft tissue injury. In a warehouse we often see these hazards at play with substandard conditions, poor lifting techniques and habits that threaten the soft tissues over time. Things like repetitive bending or reaching and twisting to lift product from the pick location to the pallet. Lifting from above shoulder level or while holding the load away from the body. For long standing with the majority of the weight on one leg. Heavy lifting after periods of prolonged sitting like getting off a lift truck to retrieve an item, twisting through the trunk instead of shifting the hips to get a clearer view when traveling in reverse, working with awkward back and neck postures when operating equipment, like looking overhead to an elevated pick location. Exerting extra force to push an overloaded cart or struggling to steer a car with worn casters. Working in freezer storage areas where dexterity and movement may be more difficult due to the cold. Fortunately many of these hazards can be managed with a few key steps. Provide training on MSD hazards and safe lifting techniques for both staff and supervisors. This will help increase awareness of why it's important to use good body mechanics and proper techniques. Involve employees when identifying and controlling MSD hazards. Employees doing the job often know what causes them the most pain and discomfort. Raise heavier items up off the floor with another pallet or two or by adding an adjustable lift table so lifting can be done in a more neutral posture. Verify that you're using the appropriate equipment for the task and that it's maintained regularly. When possible speak to suppliers to provide options for box size and weight. Provide pull sticks for smaller items on the second level of racking to reduce extended reaching. Know which heavy or awkward items require two-person lifts and promote a culture that rewards supportive behavior. MSD hazards pose a significant threat to warehouse staff. Having just one person off work with a back injury could have a significant impact on your operation. You could run into scheduling issues with other team members who have to backfill or you could run into challenges with respect to reintegration because once an MSD has occurred the chance of reoccurrence is higher. And that doesn't even take into account how debilitating it can be for the employee. Prevention for these types of injuries is key. I've outlined a few of the things that companies and employees can do to recognize and reduce hazards of MSDs but if you're unsure consider an ergonomic assessment of your workplace. A qualified ergonomist can isolate the specific hazards and offer solutions to ensure your staff are working smarter not harder. After all work shouldn't hurt. I'm Sandra Patterson and this has been your health and safety tip from Workplace Safety & Prevention Services. For more information visit WSPS.CA