Critical Literature Review: Musculoskeletal Disorders in Manufacturing

This literature review explores the emerging trend of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) within the manufacturing industry, highlighting their prevalence, manifestation, and impact on employees and organizations. It examines risk factors, including ergonomic and personal factors, and discusses t...Read More

Running Head: MUSCOSKELETAL DISORDER 1
MUSCOSKELETAL DISORDERS
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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,

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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).

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According to (Ali Yusof & Adam, 2017) a total number of 5960 cases occupational diseases
were reported in Malaysian Manufacturing industry in the year 2015.This was an increase from
the 2648 cases that were reported in 2014, representing a 55.57% increase. Out of these cases, a
total of 4034 were examined. The examination was intended to facilitate the improvement of
occupational health in the affected organizations. From the examination, it was found out that
87% suffered from noise-induced hearing loss while a sum total of 147 cases representing 4.4%
were attributed to musculoskeletal diseases. Occupational lung diseases were estimated at 2.3%.
A similar trend has also been emphasized by research carried out by (Safe Work Australia,
2017).The research found out that in Australia, the manufacturing industry had the highest
number of employee illnesses, injuries, and fatalities estimated at 9%.Based on research by
(Miedema, Molen, Kuijer, Koes & Burdorf, 2014) it was found out that out of 100,000
employees, 191 suffered from occupational diseases per year. Out of the 191 cases, it was found
out that the largest number suffered from musculoskeletal and psychological disorders while
respiratory, skin and neurological disorders were found among small numbers in that order. The
rate of temporary incapacity due to occupational diseases was estimated at 69% while that of
permanent partial or full incapacity was reported at 3.5%.
Legislative Requirements relating to a musculoskeletal disorder. The international labor
organization (ILO) stresses much significance on the role of legislation in protecting the welfare
of employees. The organization states that minimum standards of workplace safety and health
can only be guaranteed through legislation. Such legislation is meant to offer a legal backbone of
protecting employees. According to (Deakin & Morris, 2012), however, the effectiveness of
these legislations cannot be realized not unless their enforcement is supported by the
Government. Enforcement of laws relating to employee health and safety acts as a form of
motivation for employers to comply. A perfect example of a legislation relating to
musculoskeletal disorder is Australia’s Work Health and Safety 2011.The Act places an
obligation on employers to ensure that the health and safety of employees and people directly
affected by the activities of the employer. The Act also requires employers to provide and
maintain a safe work environment for their employees by ensuring structures, systems of work
and plants are safe and well maintained. They are also mandated to ensure the safe storage,
handling and use of substances by their employees. Finally, employers are required to ensure
continuous monitoring of working conditions and health of workers in order to prevent any

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potential illnesses or injuries that might arise (WorkSafe 2017).Other international laws relating
to musculoskeletal disorder and other occupational health and safety issues include The United
Kingdom’s Health and Safety at work Act 1974 and United State’s Occupational Safety and
Health Act 1970.These two are the primary pieces of legislation covering employee health and
safety in the two countries respectively.
Standard Industry Practices for addressing occupational diseases. According to (LEIGH,
2011), Occupational health issues such as musculoskeletal disorder have been found to have a
significant impact on employees. It has also been noted that the main categories of occupational
diseases are occupational skin diseases, occupational lung diseases, and other work-related
disease. The severity of the impact of these diseases requires that measures are put in place to
address them. According to (Burke, Clarke & Cooper, 2011), The main standard practice used in
addressing musculoskeletal disorder involves the identification, elimination, or control of the
main risk factors. Besides the identification and elimination putting in place control measures
and updating the existing control strategies is also used in addressing musculoskeletal disorder.
Elimination of musculoskeletal disorder causes in the workplace. This technique is based
on the assumption that the best way to eliminate musculoskeletal disorder at the workplace is by
getting rid of MSD hazards. Work processes likely to generate hazards should be avoided at all
times. After avoidance, these work processes are replaced by other processes with minimal
impact on health and safety of employees. In the event that elimination or the use of alternative
processes fail to yield results than control measures should be instituted to help minimize the
impact of the Musculoskeletal disorder on employees (Quinlan, Bohle & Lamm, 2010). In
addition, administrative measures such as the formulation of safety management systems,
training on effective work practices and guidelines as well as the use of personal protective
equipment can be effective strategies for minimizing and eliminating musculoskeletal disorder at
the workplace. If used effectively, these strategies can be quite effective in reducing and
eliminating musculoskeletal disorder risks in organizations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the musculoskeletal disorder is a major issue that continues to have a
significant impact on employees and organizations. The manufacturing sector is the main sector
affected by MSD’s. Musculoskeletal disorder apart from the impact they have on individual

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employees can also significantly affect the productivity of organizations. In some extreme cases,
MSD’s have been found to cause death. Numerous legislations have been enacted to promote the
health and safety of employees. Apart from legislation, organizations can also use strategies such
as the elimination of health hazards, use of control strategies and personal safety mechanism in
order to deal with the musculoskeletal disorder.
Rererences
Ali, D., Yusof, Y., & Adam, A. (2017). Safety Culture and Issue in the Malaysian Manufacturing
Sector. Retrieved April 12, 2018, from https://www.bing.com/cr?

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Deakin, S. F., & Morris, G. S. (2012). Labour law. Hart Publishing.
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