NSC explores preventing MSDs via injury surveillance

Washington — More effective injury surveillance can provide the necessary data to help organizations prevent musculoskeletal disorders, according to a new resource from the National Safety Council.

Developed by the nonprofit’s MSD Solutions Lab, “The Importance of Musculoskeletal Disorder and Related Injury Surveillance: An Organizational Approach” draws from 50 academic sources to offer practical guidance for preventing MSDs.

MSDs include tendinitis, back strains and sprains, and carpal tunnel syndrome. They’re the most common workplace injury and remain the leading cause of disability, early retirement and limitations to gainful employment, NSC says. It adds that private-sector businesses spend nearly $18 billion a year on costs related to these injuries.

Key features of the resource include:
Standardized recordkeeping: Guidelines for consistent injury classification and data collection can help organizations improve risk identification and target prevention efforts.
System implementation: Best practices to design and maintain effective injury surveillance frameworks that can be adapted to an organization’s size and capabilities.
Technology integration: Guidance on leveraging Internet of Things devices, artificial intelligence analytics and automated systems to enhance workplace monitoring and early intervention, with practical considerations for implementation.
Real-world application: Interactive exercises and use cases to help organizations effectively implement effective strategies in their workplaces.

The resource explains classification of injury data, covers issues with MSD reporting and details injury surveillance systems (this includes a step-by-step graphic on how they’re built and seven action items). It also includes an injury categorization exercise.

“MSDs are entirely preventable, and prevention starts with understanding where and how these injuries occur,” said Katherine Mendoza, senior director of workplace safety programs at NSC. “This new resource equips safety professionals with research-backed strategies to identify risks early and take action before injuries occur.”