Primer based on workplace evaluations of musculoskeletal disorders

"The basic elements of a workplace program aimed at preventing work related musculoskeletal disorders were described. This information was the result of extensive practical experience accumulated by NIOSH through investigations in actual workplace settings, providing technical assistance to employers and workers and evaluating the latest technical literature. A seven step pathway was defined leading to the control of work related musculoskeletal disorders. These seven steps included looking for signs of such disorders through cues and tipoffs to problems, setting the stage for action though management commitment and employee activity, building in house expertise through generalized and specialized training needs and resources, gathering and examining evidence of these disorders through health and risk factor data collection and assessment activities, developing controls through the use of options for reducing risks and evaluating their effectiveness, establishing health care management including the duties of the health care providers and others, and creating a proactive ergonomics program with an accent on prevention." - NIOSHTIC-2Alexander L. Cohen, Christopher C. Gjessing, Lawrence J. Fine, Bruce P. Bernard, James D. McGlothlin."March 1997."Also available via the World Wide Web.Includes bibliographical references