What are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD)?
Musculoskeletal disorders are an injury or disorder of the musculoskeletal system resulting from repeated exposure to various hazards and/or risk factors in the workplace (OHSCO, 2007). The musculoskeletal system includes all muscles, bones, tendons, tendon sheaths, ligaments, bursa, blood vessels, joints, intervertebral discs, etc. Other terms used to describe MSDs include Repetitive Strain Injury, Musculoskeletal Injury, Cumulative Trauma Disorder, Occupational Overuse Syndrome, or Strain or Sprain.
What is the Prevalence of Musculoskeletal Disorders?
MSDs have had a major impact on Ontario’s employers and employees. According to statistics from WSIB, in 2008 MSDs accounted for 43% of all lost time injuries within all Ontario workplaces. In 2008, MSDs were the number one cause of lost time injuries in all three sectors served by PSHSA, with over 9,000 MSD related lost time injuries occurring. Over a ten year period, MSDs had cost Ontario employers over 19 billion dollars in direct and indirect costs.