Prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) With Ergonomic Casters
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are injuries that affect muscles, tendons, joints, and other soft tissues. They can occur from repetitive movements, awkward postures, or lifting heavy loads, and they can cause serious discomfort, long-term pain, and even permanent disability. WMSDs are a major issue in many industries, but with the right ergonomic solutions—like using appropriate casters—employers can reduce the risk of these injuries and improve worker safety.
What Are WMSDs?
According to the CDC, WMSDs are musculoskeletal injuries aggravated by working conditions. These injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, nerves, and joints, and are commonly caused by repetitive tasks, sustained awkward postures, or physical strain from lifting and pushing or pulling heavy loads. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) notes that these disorders are prevalent in occupations that involve physically demanding tasks, and they often result in missed workdays, reduced productivity, and significant healthcare costs.
How the Right Casters Help Prevent WMSDs
One effective way to reduce the risk of WMSDs is by using ergonomic casters, which help minimize physical strain during material handling tasks. Ergonomics focuses on designing tasks to fit the worker, and in this case, the right casters can make a big difference in comfort and safety.
Ergonomic casters help distribute weight more evenly and allow for smoother, less forceful movements. This reduces strain on muscles and joints that often results from pushing or pulling heavy carts. Features like extended swivel leads and shock absorbing wheel treads further enhance maneuverability and reduce vibration, making it easier for workers to move loads with less effort.
By choosing the right casters, companies can create a safer working environment, reducing the risk of injuries and improving overall productivity.
High-Risk Occupations for WMSDs
The BLS highlights several occupations with high rates of WMSDs, including:
Heavy & Tractor-Trailer Truck Drivers
Laborers & Freight Stock Movers
Material Movers
Nursing Assistants
These roles often involve repetitive motions, lifting, and pushing heavy loads, all of which put workers at risk for musculoskeletal injuries. On average, workers suffering from WMSDs miss 12 days of work to recover. This downtime not only impacts the health of employees but also costs employers through lost productivity and workers' compensation claims.
The High Costs of WMSDs
WMSDs have significant costs for employers, both directly and indirectly.
Direct costs of WMSDs include:
- Medical care expenses
- Workers' compensation claims
- Injury treatment and rehabilitation
Indirect costs can be even more costly, such as:
- Increased insurance premiums
- Lost productivity due to employee absence
- Time spent on administrative tasks, such as accident reporting and worker replacement
- Increased turnover and training of new employees
Major Risk Factors for WMSDs
Mark Middlesworth, a leading expert in ergonomics, identifies the following as major ergonomic risk factors for WMSDs:
High Task Repetition
Forceful Exertions
Repetitive or Sustained Awkward Postures
For example, pushing or pulling heavy carts can expose workers to all three of these risk factors. The repetitive nature of moving heavy loads, combined with the force required to push or pull, puts significant stress on a worker’s muscles and joints. This can lead to strain, discomfort, and eventually, WMSDs.
In fact, the CC Apex caster is specifically designed to reduce the physical demands of pushing heavy cart loads. The wheel tread's high-quality polyurethane formula reduces rolling resistance, minimizing the effort required to maneuver heavy loads and easing strain on workers’ bodies. By improving the ergonomics of the cart itself, workers can reduce their risk of developing musculoskeletal strain, leading to fewer injuries and less downtime.
How CC Apex Casters Help Reduce WMSD Risk
The CC Apex with Extended Swivel Lead is designed to optimize material handling in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, and other workplaces where heavy carts are used regularly. By improving the maneuverability of carts, CC Apex casters reduce the physical strain on workers, preventing the risk of WMSDs. This caster helps to spread the load more evenly and reduces the effort required to move carts, increasing both safety and efficiency.
Whether your workers are pushing, pulling, or maneuvering carts, CC Apex casters help improve ergonomics, making it easier to handle heavy loads with less effort. This not only reduces the risk of injury but also enhances overall productivity by reducing downtime and promoting worker well-being.
Shop CC Apex Extended Swivel Lead Casters
Invest in Ergonomic Solutions to Prevent WMSDs
Preventing WMSDs should be a top priority for employers, particularly in industries where workers are regularly required to move heavy carts or perform repetitive tasks, like manufacturing and warehousing. By investing in ergonomic solutions like CC Apex casters, companies can help protect their workforce, reduce injury-related costs, and improve productivity. A simple upgrade to your material handling equipment can make a significant difference in the health and safety of your employees.
Want to learn more about how better casters can improve your workplace ergonomics? Contact us to speak with a Caster Solutions Expert.
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