Commentary: Occupational safety and its importance in preventing musculoskeletal injury

  • Published
  • By Captain Melissa Kossbiel
  • 48th Medical Group
ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England - --  Safety is a topic that permeates every aspect of life. We hear about it when driving, traveling, cooking - the list of activities where we should be mindful of safety is endless. Yet, we don't hear as much about occupational safety, specifically in regards to musculoskeletal injuries.

The risk of musculoskeletal injury is notable in professions that involve sitting for extended periods of time and working in restricted fields. The good news is that, by practicing good occupational safety, the potential negative physical effects of workplace activities can be significantly reduced.

Risk factors for developing a musculoskeletal disorder include poor posture, repetitive movements, working in a restricted field, and chronic use of forceful or awkward movements or postures at work or at home.

Common symptoms of musculoskeletal injuries are pain, stiffness, tingling, numbness, decreased range of motion, and muscle weakness. Practicing good posture and maintaining a healthy lifestyle that incorporates an adequate level of fitness are key steps one can take to reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injury.
Managing stress effectively is also critical to staying healthy and avoiding injury, as research has shown that increased stress can negatively impact the body and potentially increase the risk of injury or hinder recovery. Adding stretching into your workday can have a tremendous impact on your physical comfort level. Warming up in the morning as well as taking regular breaks to stretch the back, neck, shoulders, arms, and hands can help relieve painful musculature and reduce stress.

Musculoskeletal injuries impact not only workplace productivity and performance but also health and happiness. A workplace injury is not something that goes away when the workday is done. It follows you home and permeates all aspect of life. Taking time to use correct posture, evaluating the safety of your muscle movement, and incorporating stretching and muscle strengthening exercises can provide a tremendous preventative benefit over a lifetime.