What is a Musculoskeletal Disorder (MSD)?

• Musculoskeletal Disorders or MSDs are injuries and disorders that affect the human body’s
movement or musculoskeletal system (i.e. muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, discs, blood
vessels, etc.).

• Common MSD’s are:

• Back pain (i.e., low back strain)
• Muscle strain
• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Rotator Cuff Syndrome
• Tennis Elbow (epicondylitis)
• Shoulder pain (shoulder myalgia)

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 What is Ergonomics?

Ergonomics is the science of

fitting the work environment to the people
doing the job.

(and not fitting the people to the work

environment )

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 Safe Lifting Techniques
Wide Base of Support- feet placed shoulder-width apart,
one foot slightly ahead of the other.

Squat, Don’t Bend - Always bend at the hips and knees and
keep your back straight

Maintain Good Posture- Look straight ahead and keep your back straight.
Push your chest out and pull your shoulders back.

Lift Slow and smooth; Maintain good posture while using your arms, legs,
and core body (abdominal muscles) to lift.

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 Safe Lifting Techniques
Never Use or Bend Your Back for lifting or carrying

Avoid Awkward Load Positioning- Hold load close to your body.

Lead with your hips as you change direction. Keep shoulders in line with hips as you move. Don’t
twist.

Put Down your load down carefully, squatting down with hips and knees only.

Don’t forget to ask for help with heavy lifts

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 ARC FLASH
• A person authorized and trained to work on or near exposed, energized
electrical components greater than 50 volts. One who has the skills and
knowledge related to the construction and operation of electrical
equipment and installations and has received safety training to recognize
and avoid the hazards involved.

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