NIOSH Updates Guide to Prevent Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

The NIOSH Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) Research Program recently updated , a guide intended to help employers, workers, and others design effective ergonomics programs to prevent work-related MSDs. The new version of the document, which was originally published as a PDF in 1997, is now available in HTML format. NIOSH’s updated guide describes practical strategies for identifying and correcting ergonomic deficiencies in a variety of workplace settings.

The updated guide divides information into six pages or sections, each representing a step in evaluating and addressing musculoskeletal concerns in the workplace. The six steps include identifying risk factors, involving and training management and workers, collecting health and medical evidence, implementing an ergonomic program, evaluating the program, and maintaining involvement.

Other resources, including references, forms and questionnaires, and outside sources on ergonomic guidelines and standards, are also available on the new .