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6.1 Work-Related Upper Limb Disorder

Musculoskeletal Disorders and Work-Related Upper Limb
Disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders MSDs are injuries or pain in the human musculoskeletal system,
including ligaments, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves, neck and back. They are caused by sudden
exertion of loads over a period, repeated actions, exposure to repeated force, vibration, or
awkward posture.

The following musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) can be associated with incorrect or poor manual
handling techniques:
• Back injuries

• Work related upper limb disorder

Back injuries

Back injuries may occur as a result of repeated lifting, or as
the result of a single lift. Stoop lifting can increase stress on
the back by up to six times. The task may involve worker to
stand or sit for longer period sustaining with back pain, disc
injury is a contributory factor of absenteeism.

Work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs)

WRULD is the term used to describe any injury affecting the
arms, hands and shoulders caused by repetitive motion, over-exertion, vibratory motion and/or
stress. WRULDs take many forms, depending on the cause of the disorder. For example, carpal
tunnel syndrome is a WRULD caused by pressure on the nerves in the wrist, which can be caused
by intricate, repetitive manual handling activities.

High Risk Activities / Repetitive Physical Activities

Workers who repeatedly uses their hands, arms and back are potential to suffer musculoskeletal
disorder. For instance:

• Display Screen Equipment use.
• Assembly line workers
• Cleaning and domestic staff
• Construction workers (brick laying)
• Hairdressers
• Meat and poultry processors
• Pottery workers
• Supermarket checkout activity
• Textile workers.

ENSIGN | Unit IG2 – Element 6 – Musculoskeletal 1
Health