In today's video, Brian Boyle, PT/DPT, talks about OSHA prevention and how it differs from treatment or an OSHA recordable injury.
Work-related MSDs are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), MSD cases account for 33% of all worker injury and illness cases. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration considers an injury or illness to be work-related if an event or exposure in the work environment either caused or contributed to the resulting condition or significantly aggravated a pre-existing condition.
OSHA defines MSDs as injuries or illnesses that affect the muscles, nerves, blood vessels, ligaments, and tendons. Workers in many different industries and occupations are exposed to risk factors at work, such as lifting heavy items, bending, reaching overhead, pushing and pulling heavy loads, working in awkward body postures, and performing the same or similar tasks repetitively. Exposure to these known risk factors for MSDs increases a worker's risk of injury.
Work-related MSDs can be prevented. Ergonomics --- fitting a job to a person --- helps lessen muscle fatigue, increases productivity, and reduces the number and severity of work-related MSDs.
Medical treatment beyond first aid is a criterion that determines if a work-related injury or illness is OSHA recordable. Any work-related incident where the involved parties received medical treatment other than first aid is considered OSHA recordable.
Recordable cases include work-related injuries and illnesses that result in:
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