Social Sustainability
Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder
Definition
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders are conditions affecting the back, neck, shoulders and limbs caused by repetitive movement, forceful exertion, awkward posture, vibration or manual handling. They include back pain, carpal tunnel syndrome and tendonitis, and account for a large share of work-related sickness absence.
References
This reference provides supporting context for how “Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder” is defined and used.
Source imported for editorial provenance.
Overview
How it is used
Employers conduct ergonomic risk assessments under OHS law; health and safety statistics track MSD incidence; social sustainability disclosures and ISO 45001 systems address prevention; insurers price MSD-related claims.
Why it matters
MSDs impose major costs on workers, health systems and businesses, and are highly preventable through design — a core test of decent working conditions.