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June 27, 2005 Carhaul work requires repeated climbing, tugging and pulling in the tie-down process. These motions can cause serious shoulder, rotator cuff and back injuries in addition to carpal tunnel syndrome. These following facts—which are excepts from National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health Publication No. 97-117—provide basic information useful for employers and workers in designing effective programs to prevent these work-related musculoskeletal disorders. What Are Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WMSDs)? Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders are a group of conditions, involving the nerves, tendons, muscles, and supporting structures such as intervertebral discs that are caused or made worse by the work environment. WMSDs can cause severe and debilitating symptoms such as pain, numbness, and tingling; reduced worker productivity; lost time from work; temporary or permanent disability; inability to perform job tasks; and an increase in workers compensation costs. What Are the Risk Factors for WMSDs? Repetitive, forceful, or prolonged exertions of the hands; frequent or heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying of heavy objects; prolonged awkward postures; and vibration contribute to WMSDs. Jobs or working conditions that combine risk factors will increase the risk for musculoskeletal problems. The level of risk depends on how long a worker is exposed to these conditions, how often they are exposed and the level of exposure. What Can Be Done to Prevent WMSDs? Much can be done to prevent WMSDs. Ergonomics programs to prevent WMSDs can be tailored to a particular workplace. NIOSH has developed Elements of Ergonomics Programs, a primer based on workplace evaluations of musculoskeletal disorders, which is useful in developing an ergonomics program. If you have any questions about your own injuries, please contact the Safety and Health Department at (202) 624-6960, or visit Teamsters Safety and Health Resources.
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