[IT] MSDs in the warehouse: how to reduce and prevent them

Musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, account for a large percentage of occupational accidents in the logistics sector.

What can you do to prevent MSDs in the warehouse? There are many ways to avoid them and to make operators’ work safer.

What is a MSD or musculoskeletal disorder?

MSDs are disorders that can affect joints, tendons or even muscles. These can be physical or mechanical disorders. A musculoskeletal disorder can occur as a result of intense stress on certain parts of the body over time. Repetitive movements , shocks and bad posture are also common causes.

In the transport and logistics sector, MSDs account for the majority of occupational diseases. The most common MSDs are:

• carpal tunnel syndrome at the wrist
• rotator cuff syndrome at the shoulder
• lateral epicondylitis at the elbow
• lumbago (intense pain in the lumbar vertebrae)

The lower limbs are less affected by musculoskeletal disorders. Hygroma or bursitis of the knee (inflammation of the serous bursae located in front of the kneecap) is the best known.

How to prevent MSDs in the warehouse?

What can be done to prevent MSDs in the warehouse? In order to avoid the occurrence of MSDs among operators, as an employer, preventive measures must be taken. Identifying risky work situations, correcting them, adapting the work environment or training operators are all keys to preventing these problems.

Analysing hidden risks in your warehouse and mapping them

Some areas of the warehouse are more sensitive to the risk of accidents than others. The first step to preventing MSD risks is therefore to identify the workstations most affected.

Some order picking steps, such as palletising or packing, are physically more demanding. Observing the DSM risk level of each workstation in order to obtain an overall ergonomic map will enable you to prioritise the different positions in the warehouse with the aim of improving the quality of work.

Provide operators with appropriate handling equipment

Within a warehouse, operators may be required to handle a number of loads. In addition to the biomechanical risks of transporting loads, falling objects cannot be excluded and constitute an additional risk. Providing operators with the right handling equipment can limit these risks.

Ergonomic or variable-heighttrolleys, pallet trucks or roll containers: there are many solutions to lighten the load of warehouse operators . This equipment is also designed to ensure safety, thus limiting the risk of everyday accidents.

Optimises the operators’ packing station

A well-designed packing station is essential to prevent musculoskeletal disorders. This improves the efficiency of the operators, but also the ergonomics of the packing station. It is therefore necessary to determine the location of tools according to their frequency of use.

In particular, the operator must keep packaging, adhesive tape, protective and filling material and also a special container for scraps within easy reach. Other tools may be used daily, but less frequently, such as a pen or pencil. These objects should be placed close to the operator, but without encroaching on his workstation. Finally, occasionally used tools, less frequently used packaging formats, should be kept within the operator’s work area but not so close.

Equip standing workstations with the right equipment

Standing for long periods of time is one of the most physically demanding postures. The result? Operators can end up experiencing muscle and joint pain , especially in the lower limbs.

To make operators’ working days more comfortable, workstations can be equipped with anti-fatigue mats. This solution distributes the weight of the body evenly over both feet, considerably improving comfort. The work stool is another solution for preventing musculoskeletal disorders. The aim is to limit prolonged static standing.

Buy packaging machines that limit MSDs

In a warehouse, it is not uncommon for a significant number of pallets and packages to be strapped or filmed. Performed manually, these operations pose a risk of MSDs due to the operators’ gestures and postures.

This risk can be prevented by equipping your warehouse with suitable machines. Equipping your warehouse with palletising robots will save time and reduce risky and repetitive tasks for your employees. To avoid musculoskeletal disorders also try the semi-automatic strapping machine . These machines are ideal for speeding up packaging processes, avoiding strain on the back and shoulders of operators.

Arrange regular medical examinations

Work in the warehouse is generally physical and therefore there is a risk that it can endanger the health of operators. The risks increase exponentially when unsuitable positions, gestures, equipment and postures are adopted.

It is therefore essential to arrange for regular medical ex aminations so that a specialist doctor can check the health of the operators.

Offer MSD training to operators

Limiting the risk of musculoskeletal disorders also involves training in good warehouse practices. In fact, since musculoskeletal disorders are often the result of incorrect postures, intense stress or poor use of work tools, training is essential.

Want to learn more about how to limit the risk of musculoskeletal disorders in your warehouse? Contact us now for a consultation!