Workload, Stress and Psychosocial Factors as Hazards for Musculoskeletal Disorders

By W McDonald

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) resulting from work-related cumulative trauma continue to constitute a substantial problem in many workplaces.

It is argued that current countermeasures address only one part of the problem because they usually fail to take adequate account of evidence concerning the important role of psychosocial hazards and psychological stress as MSD risk factors. The nature and role of those risk factors is described in terms of an ergonomics model of work-related MSD risk. Key constructs within the model are job demands, psychosocial factors, mental workload and stress. The empirical basis for this model is outlined, and some conclusions from the growing evidence of physiological mechanisms by which stress can increase the risk of MSDs are discussed. Based on this model, more effective management strategies to control non-physical MSD risk factors are identified.

(Journal of Occupational Health and Safety Australia and New Zealand. vol. 20, no. 1, February 2004)