Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries and illnesses that affect the connective tissues of the body such as muscles, tendons, nerves, joints, cartilage or spinal disks. In 2007, MSDs accounted for 29 percent of all workplace injuries requiring time away from work with 335,390 reported cases. The professions with the highest occurrences of MSD cases were nursing aides, orderlies and attendants. These occupations reported a rate of 252 cases per 10,000 workers, more than seven times the national MSD average for all occupations.

Laborers and freight handlers had a MSD rate of 149, and light and delivery truck drivers followed with a MSD rate of 117. Several major industry sectors actually reported declines in their MSD incident rates from last year. The MSD rate for management of companies and enterprises decreased 32 percent, and construction dropped 16 percent. This data from the BLS Injuries, Illnesses, and Fatalities program is a valuable reminder of the impact that MSD has on individuals and families. MSD has a significant negative impact on people's ability to work and should not be taken lightly.

If you have been diagnosed with a musculoskeletal disorder because of conditions at your workplace, you may have the right to seek compensation. MSDs are a leading cause of pain and suffering in American workplaces, and these disorders now account for one of every three dollars spent on workers' compensation. An industrial injury attorney can help you file a claim and recover compensation for your medical costs and ongoing suffering. There is no need to continue living in pain, contact an industrial injury lawyer from our firm today!