People working at an optimally designed workstation and using the best available tools can still develop WMSD. These WMSD can be the result of poor work organization. Work organization involves, task variety, work pace, work breaks, rest breaks, adjustment time, and training. All should be considered in the prevention of WMSD.
Task variety
Task variety
Lack of variety can lead to muscle overload and subsequent injury. Task variety allows the use of multiple muscle groups so no one group becomes overly fatigues and prone to injury. If jobs are highly task specialized then it may be appropriate to rotate tasks among workers in order to increase task variety.
Work pace
A fast pace can lead to more WMSD due to the decreased recovery time. The work pace may be externally imposed such as an assembly line, or internally paced such as office work. For workplaces where the pace is externally imposed, the work pace should be adjusted to that of the slowest worker. For workplaces where the pace is internally imposed, the work pace should be based on quality not quantity.
Work breaks
Work breaks refer to the time between tasks. Even a few seconds can be sufficient recovery time.
Rest breaks
Rest breaks are the break that occurs after all work stops. Workers can take advantage of this time to stretch, apply localized cold or heat and generally further relax.
Adjustment time
Training
Ergonomic changes will fail to have an effect if the worker is not properly instructed in how to use the new tool, workstation, work policy, etc.
Role of the Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists can provide recommendations to reduce risk factors by modifying work tasks. Modification of a task involves adjusting behaviors that may contribute to the development or exacerbation of CTS. As part of the assessment, the occupational therapist will conduct an activity analysis to identify areas where change may be needed. Once a task is analyzed, alternative methods can be discussed with the worker. For example, tasks can be reordered to limit the amount of time performing repetitive movements that can aggravate CTS.
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Role of the Occupational Therapist
Occupational therapists can provide recommendations to reduce risk factors by modifying work tasks. Modification of a task involves adjusting behaviors that may contribute to the development or exacerbation of CTS. As part of the assessment, the occupational therapist will conduct an activity analysis to identify areas where change may be needed. Once a task is analyzed, alternative methods can be discussed with the worker. For example, tasks can be reordered to limit the amount of time performing repetitive movements that can aggravate CTS.
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