Preventing Musculoskeletal Injury and Musculoskeletal Disorders for Welders

Christopher Rahm, BES
Golder Associates Ltd

Presented At: 
CWA Conference 2014

Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are generally caused by physical demands of the work performed, such as holding positions too long, using excessive force when lifting, pushing, or gripping, working in awkward postures, repetition and lack of recovery time between activities. These risk factors are often present during welding activities, leading to a high prevalence of MSDs in welders. Increasing workforce participation by ageing workers may place additional workers at further risk of developing an MSD. Both the benefit costs and lost-time days related to MSD claims can be significant. Identifying and mitigating the risk factors for welding-related MSDs is central to lowering incidents of musculoskeletal symptoms. Knowledge sharing and education, equipment and work position changes, combined with proactive activities like frequent breaks, stretching, job rotation, early recognition and monitoring can assist in lowering work-related MSDs in workers involved in welding activities.

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