These injuries have an important influence on productivity in safety culture, construction worker absenteeism, and healthcare expenses. Across all industrial industries, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration predicts that employers contribute up to $20 billion each year on personal costs related to MSDs, with indirect losses due to lost productivity and turnover far surpassing that number.

As of 2017, MSDs were listed among the foremost contributors to overall health services spending increases. As additional proof of the influence of this problem, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that among injuries and ailments causing days away from employment in manufacturing, oil and gas, and construction projects, MSDs accounted for 34% of all cases for the entire workforce.

Whether workers develop back discomfort, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or any assortment of other musculoskeletal dysfunctions, organizations must take proactive measures to both anticipate and alleviate these problems to protect the health of both their workforce and also their bottom line. By enhancing ergonomics in the organizational environment, manufacturers can approach many of the root causes of MSDs between their workers.

While the dangers implicit in manufacturing plants are not easy to decrease, there are steps companies can take to help protect their workers from acquiring MSDs and supporting those with pains return to employment much quicker. To enhance ergonomics within oil and gas, and manufacturing plants, here are a few suggested approaches and best practices to contemplate:

1. Exceed the regular evaluation. Guarantee that any workplace evaluation not only takes into account the individual circumstances of the facility’s conditions, but also the dangers particular to each employee’s job. While some employees may be standing on their feet for the majority of the day, others may be hoisting heavy objects or operating in awkward physical conditions. This should not be performed in a void; it is crucial to involve workers in this process to approach the problems influencing each individual’s health and productivity. A thorough approach to the primary assessment will set the basis for achieving effective ergonomic enhancements that make a positive result on the safety culture of your construction project.
2. Choose proper safety equipment. Based on the evaluation, introduce and give workers appropriate safety equipment that supports safe postures, aids lifting heavy items and preserves their bodies from prevalent musculoskeletal impairments. This could include, but is not limited to:
   1. Cushioned floor coverings for those who stand for prolonged intervals.
   2. Ergonomically manufactured chairs for those who are seated for extreme periods.
   3. Carts or machinery to aid with transferring heavy or cumbersome objects.
   4. Knee pads and comparable items to decrease pressure if kneeling for extensive periods.

Executing these procedures not only stops new injuries from happening but can also assist operators with current MSDs, enhancing turnaround time to return to employment and alleviating the otherwise harmful consequences on productivity and costs.

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Dr. Raffi Terzian, M.D., MPH | Aug 21, 2019 - Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are common among all Americans; however, employees in manufacturing settings are especially vulnerable to developing these injuries due to a number of factors specific to their occupation. Heavy lifting, bending, awkward postures, reaching overhead, pushing or pulling heavy loads, and repetitive tasks are all risk factors, which increases the chance of injury on the job. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), 41 out of every 10,000 manufacturing workers experience a musculoskeletal issue or disorder.

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