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Are your employees experiencing back, neck or wrist pain? This discomfort may signal a musculoskeletal disorder. In 2024, injuries involving MSDs accounted for 26% of work-related injuries recorded and accepted by the CNESST. Prolonged postures, repetitive movements, overexertion and a poorly adjusted workstation can increase the risks. Preventing work-related musculoskeletal pain requires adjusting workstations, varying tasks and acting at the first signs of symptoms. Learn about the causes of MSDs and ergonomic workplace design that supports your team's comfort.
What is a work-related musculoskeletal disorder?
An MSD is a condition affecting the musculoskeletal system that can involve the muscles, tendons, joints, ligaments, bursae and sometimes nerves. Many work-related MSDs are non-traumatic in origin. They develop when tissues are overworked and the demands of a task exceed their ability to adapt. However, they can appear gradually or suddenly.
The areas most commonly affected are the back, neck and upper limbs. Common conditions include:
- Lower back pain
- Shoulder tendinitis or epicondylitis of the elbow
- Carpal tunnel syndrome at the wrist
Pain, stiffness, swelling, muscle weakness or numbness can be warning signs. Acting as soon as they appear helps prevent worsening symptoms and injury, and preserves the chances of a full recovery.
What factors contribute to work-related MSDs?
Musculoskeletal disorders rarely result from a single factor. The risk increases when several physical demands combine and tissues do not have enough time to recover. The intensity, frequency and duration of exposure also matter. There are 2 main categories: physical demands, and organizational and psychosocial factors.
Physical demands place direct strain on muscles and joints:
- Prolonged static postures, whether sitting or standing
- Awkward postures and a poorly adjusted workstation
- Repetitive movements and excessive physical effort
- Vibration transmitted by certain tools
Organizational and psychosocial factors matter just as much: a fast work pace, insufficient breaks, limited autonomy, tight deadlines or a lack of support prolong exposure. Addressing the workstation, the tasks and the way work is organized is therefore essential.
How can you prevent musculoskeletal disorders at work?
No single piece of equipment addresses every risk. Effective prevention combines 3 elements: a workstation adapted to the individual, regular movement and a fresh look at how work is organized. By acting early in all 3 areas, you can achieve lasting reductions in musculoskeletal disorders and improve your team's comfort.
Set up an ergonomic workstation
Adapting a workstation to each worker's body helps them maintain a neutral posture and limit strain. A few key adjustments make a difference:
- An ergonomic chair that supports the lower back and allows the feet to rest flat.
- A height-adjustable desk for alternating between sitting and standing.
- A screen at eye level, about an arm's length away.
- Suitable accessories: wrist rests, with the keyboard and mouse close to the body to reduce strain on the upper limbs.
To equip your spaces, explore our range of ergonomic office furniture.
Keep moving and improve how work is organized
Even a well-adjusted workstation is no substitute for movement. Change positions regularly and plan short active breaks of 2 to 5 min/h. Alternating tasks also helps muscles and joints recover.
Work organization can support this approach in several ways:
- Vary tasks to limit repetitive movements
- Train teams to make ergonomic adjustments
- Adjust the work pace and allow time for recovery
- Identify high-risk workstations through an ergonomic assessment
These actions support employee comfort and a more efficient way of organizing work.
Act at the first signs of symptoms
Persistent pain, stiffness, weakness or numbness should not be dismissed. Workers should promptly report any symptoms so that their tasks, workstations and physical demands can be assessed, as recommended by the CNESST (in French).
If pain persists or worsens, consult a health care professional. An examination will help determine appropriate measures, which may include physiotherapy. Early intervention limits the risk of symptoms worsening and preserves the chances of recovery.
Why choose Solutions M3 to help prevent muscle pain?
Founded in 1998, Solutions M3 designs commercial-grade office furniture that is durable and suited to all professional environments. Our ergonomic chairs, adjustable desks and accessories promote better posture and reduce physical strain.
Our support goes beyond the product. Our office design services cover needs assessment, space planning, design, delivery and installation throughout Quebec and Ontario. This personalized approach adapts each workstation to your workers' needs and prevents musculoskeletal disorders in their day-to-day work.
Answers to your questions about musculoskeletal disorders at work
Work-related MSDs can involve different occupations, equipment and areas of the body. Here are answers to 3 questions to help you better understand how to prevent them.
Do MSDs only affect people who work at a computer?
No. Computer work can encourage certain static postures, but these inflammatory conditions can occur in any industry. Manual handling, repetitive movements, overexertion, vibration and awkward postures can also increase risks to muscles, tendons and joints.
Is an ergonomic chair enough to prevent poor posture and pain?
Not on its own. An ergonomic chair reduces strain, but it does not replace a properly adjusted desk, movement or a work schedule that prioritizes breaks. Complement it with team training. If pain persists, consult a health care professional.
Can MSDs affect the lower limbs?
Yes. The lower limbs, including the legs, knees and feet, can also be affected. Prolonged standing, kneeling or certain awkward postures increase strain. Alternating positions and adjusting supports help reduce these demands.
Create a more ergonomic workplace with Solutions M3
Your teams deserve an environment that protects their health. Solutions M3 helps you design comfortable, durable workstations suited to each task. Prevent pain, improve productivity and invest in your workers' well-being. Request your personalized quote for a custom-designed workspace.