Occupational biomechanics is the scientific study and application of the motor function, coordination, and strength in performing job tasks centered around a particular occupation.

Ergonomic measures are designed to facilitate job performance, in both sedentary work and manual labor as necessary.

Occupational biomechanics serves as the foundation of assessing, implementing, and evaluating physical methods tailored for employees to fulfill duties and tasks against the prospect of developing musculoskeletal disorders (MSD).

Workplace Safety and Health Council training slides on Manual Handling

WorkSafe Australia on Manual Handling

UK HSE on Manual Handling

Advice on Manual Handling

Tips and advice on Manual Handling

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood vessels, etc.).

The parts of the body most likely to be affected by MSDs are:

• the lower back
• shoulders, forearms, wrists and hands, as well as the neck
• the hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet

Workers can have different kinds of MSDs at the same time.

There are risk factors causing MSDs in many types of work, so you should think about the risks of various tasks, depending on the work you do:

• bending, crouching or stooping
• lifting heavy or bulky loads
• pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads
• stretching, twisting and reaching
• repetitive work, particularly using the same hand or arm action
• sustained or excessive force
• carrying out a task for a long time
• work with display screen equipment
• working with hand-held power tools for a long time
• driving heavy vehicles, long-distance driving or driving over rough ground

Or the risk factors can be to do with the work environment or organisation:

• poor working environment (including temperature and lighting)
• poor work organisation (including work pressure, job demands and lack of work breaks). Stress and other psychosocial factors can contribute to the risk of developing MSDs

Or they can be to do with the workers themselves:

• a recent or existing injury or health condition may make them more vulnerable
• individual differences (some workers are more affected by certain risks)
• vulnerable groups, for example, young people, disabled workers, pregnant workers, those new to the job
• working beyond their capability
• working when physically tired

Workplace Saftey and Health Council training materials for MSDs

Musculoskeletal disorders at work

A repetitive strain injury (RSI) is an injury to part of the musculoskeletal or nervous system caused by repetitive use, vibrations, compression or long periods in a fixed position. Other common names include repetitive stress disorders, cumulative trauma disorders (CTDs), and overuse syndrome.

The condition mostly affects parts of the upper body, such as the:

• Forearms and elbows
• Wrists and hands
• Neck and shoulders

RSI is related to the overuse of muscles and tendons in the upper body.

Certain things are thought to increase the risk of RSI, including:

• repetitive activities
• doing a high-intensity activity for a long time without rest
• poor posture or activities that involve working in an awkward position

Cold temperatures and vibrating equipment are also thought to increase the risk of getting RSI and can make the symptoms worse. Stress can also be a contributing factor.

Jobs that involve repetitive movements can lead to RSI, such as working on an assembly line, at a supermarket checkout or on a computer.

Your work environment should be as comfortable as possible. You should ideally have a workplace assessment so that any adjustments needed can be made.

Your employer has a legal duty to try to prevent work-related RSI and ensure anyone who already has the condition doesn’t get any worse.

Overview of RSI