Psychosocial environment Physical Environment Personal Health Practices


Funded in part by the
Government of Ontario

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) have been the most persistent type of injury in healthcare; they alone are responsible for half of all workplace lost time injuries every year . They affect the muscles, tendons, ligaments and nerves. Injuries are most commonly diagnosed as strains, sprains, repetitive strain injury and carpal tunnel syndrome. Most often, they involve workplace pains and strains that affect the back, neck, upper and lower limbs.

Nearly half of all MSDs happen when a patient or client is transferred or repositioned. To avoid injury, it is important that controlled measures are implemented to reduce the risks to workers. The key MSD prevention is to design and organize work to avoid injuring or damaging the musculoskeletal system. 

By being proactive about early warning signs and ensuring that potential hazards are followed up on without delay, we can minimize the impact of these injuries and reduce their frequency and severity.