Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Manufacturing Industry

Running Head: MUSCOSKELETAL DISORDER 1
MUSCOSKELETAL DISORDERS
Institutional Affiliation
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MUSCOSKELETAL DISORDER 2
Introduction
The Modern workplace has undergone a lot of changes to help meet the demands brought
about by changes in the labor market, the introduction of new technologies and workforce
structures. With these new changes have come new challenges and risks to employee’s health
and safety. Occupational diseases are health problems that arise as a result of a health hazard at
the workplace (Quinlan, Bohle & Lamm, 2010). They include musculoskeletal disorders defined
as injuries associated with the musculoskeletal system and which hinders effective body
movement. Musculoskeletal disorders are quite prevalent among employees working in the
manufacturing industry in developed countries (Kiadaliri, Woolf & Englund, 2017). This,
however, is not to mean that such are not common in developing countries with Manufacturing,
mining and Agriculture industries being the most affected. This literature review is focused on
the emerging trend of musculoskeletal disorders in the manufacturing industry.
Aim
To analyze the prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the manufacturing industry
Objectives
To find out why of musculoskeletal disorders are a major issue in the Manufacturing
industry
To find out the manifestation of musculoskeletal disorders in the industry
To analyze the harmful effects of musculoskeletal disorders among employees and the
industry
To explore industrial practices focused on the elimination of musculoskeletal disorders i
To analyze of musculoskeletal disorders legislative requirements
The prevalence of musculoskeletal disorders in the manufacturing industry. The rate at
which employees have been found to have fatal musculoskeletal disorders has been on the rise in
the recent past. Not only have these increased but also their impact on companies in the industry
has been enormous. The rate at which employees have been forced to stay away from work in
order to recover has both been alarming and counterproductive to organizations (Fartasch,

MUSCOSKELETAL DISORDER 3
Diepgen, Schmitt & Drexler, 2012). The manufacturing industry is made up of diverse
workplaces such as textiles, plastics, and rubber, chemical, printing, metal fabrication,
automotive, food and beverages among others. This means that workers in this industry have the
possibility of being exposed to multiple health hazards that can lead to occupational diseases,
injuries or even death in extreme cases. Some of the most common hazards in this industry
include chemical exposure, noise related occupational diseases and musculoskeletal disorders
(LEIGH, 2011).
LITERATURE REVIEW
Manifestation and impact. Musculoskeletal disorders in the manufacturing industry are
largely attributed to musculoskeletal risk factors such as individual related factors and work-
related factors. These factors result in fatigue on workers. Extreme body fatigue leads to a
musculoskeletal imbalance which turns to musculoskeletal disorder with time. Among the most
notable signs and symptoms of MSD’s include sleep disturbances, fatigue, and stiffness or
aching of the body, muscle strain, twining of muscles among others (Sauter & Moon, 2014). a
large number of manufacturing involves a significant percentage of physical work. For example,
many a time employees are asked to perform tasks beyond their physical abilities which end up
straining their muscles and outing them at risk of developing MSD’s. It has been found out that
repeated performance of such jobs makes it impossible for an individual’s recovery system to
sustain the fatigue resulting from such jobs. With the strenuous nature of multiple manufacturing
Jobs, the development of musculoskeletal imbalance is quite high.Musculoskeletal imbalance
ultimately leads to musculoskeletal disorder others (Sauter & Moon, 2014).
Risk Factors: MSD’s risk factors are classified into ergonomic risk factors and personal
risk factors. High task repetition is one of the ergonomic factors. High repetition of tasks such as
tasks involving awkward postures or high force can be a cause for MSD’s. Many tasks in the
manufacturing industry also involve forceful exertions.The strain on muscles as a result of high
force loads causes fatigue which leads to MSD’s. Additionally, as a result of repetitive awkward
positions, extreme force is placed on joints affecting muscles and tendons around the joints. This
can also lead to MSD. Apart from ergonomic factors, personal factors such as poor work
practices, poor hydration, fitness and nutrition, poor rest and recovery, poor health habits can
lead to MSD’s (Nordander et al.,2011).