Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the Prep Kitchen- HSSE WORLD

Your body is made up of muscles, bones, tendons, joints, and other tissues. This is called the musculoskeletal system. When you injure a part of this system it is called a Musculoskeletal Disorder, or MSD. at the end of this article, you will be able to learn the following :

Table of Contents

How to spot some MSD hazards in the kitchen
Explain how to avoid getting hurt.
Talk about where you can get help at work.
Talk about what you can do to avoid an injury at work
Get a Free Copy of Kitchen Pictograms

You can hurt yourself when you :

Lift something too heavy
Lift something in the wrong way
Work too long without a break
Work bent over or twisted

This injury is called a Musculoskeletal Disorder or MSD. Sometimes the pain will go away in a short while. Sometimes the pain will stay for a long time

Examples of MSDs

Back Pain
Carpal Tunnel (wrist, hand)
Tennis or Golfer’s Elbow
Muscle Strain
Tendonitis

(learn more: 9-tips-to-prevent-carpal-tunnel-syndrome/)

Workplace Hazards

A workplace hazard is something that can hurt you at work. For example:

A knife is a workplace hazard because you can cut yourself
A wet floor is a workplace hazard because you can slip and fall.

MSD Workplace Hazards

There are three MSD workplace hazards:

Force
Repetition
Posture

Force is the power your muscles need to do a task.

As the level of power goes up, the risk of developing an MSD goes up. An MSD can happen when the power needed to do the task is too great for your body. It can also happen if you don’t rest

Repetition is doing the same thing over and over.

This can tire muscles and hurt soft tissues. The soft tissue wears down if there is no rest or change of activity. Repetition can cause pain even if the power being used is low.

Posture is a term for how we hold our bodies.

Posture can refer to the part of your body or your whole body. If you sit, or stand, for a long time that is called a fixed posture. Fixed posture lowers blood flow to your muscles. Lower blood flow can make us tired or uncomfortable. When we are bending and twisting our bodies to do work that is called an awkward posture. Awkward postures increase the amount of force on our soft tissues like tendons or our spine

You are at risk more when:

The force you use to work is high
There is repetition in your work
You are not taking breaks when you should
You use to fix or awkward posture
Activity increases in your work
You are exposed to more than one hazard

Also; each person’s body is different. Things like our size, strength, and flexibility may increase our risk. One task or job may be ok for one person but not another

Hazard and Control Pictograms

Hazard Pictograms:

Hazard pictograms are in yellow triangles. Yellow triangles mean “caution”. When you see a hazard pictogram you should be careful. It tells you that there is a risk.

Control Pictograms:

Control pictograms are in green squares. Green squares mean “personal safety”. When you see a green pictogram it is telling you how to avoid being hurt. It shows you ways to protect yourself.

Chopping

Hazard Pictogram

Don’t:

Use a dull knife
Work for a long time with no break
Work at a counter that is too high or too low

Possible Injury:

Strain from repetitive motion

Control Pictogram

Do:

Keep your knife sharp
Use proper techniques
Talk to your supervisor if you need help
Work at a counter that is the right size for you
Take short breaks

Handling Large Boxes and Bags of Produce

Hazard Pictogram

Don’t:

Carry a lot of bags or boxes
Lift or carry wrong
Always reach and bend to get stuff
Work in awkward postures
Carry an uneven load

How you could get hurt: Back Strain

Back Strain

Control Pictogram

Do:

Check the weight before you lift
Ask for help if something is too heavy to lift by yourself
Use a cart or trolley to move items
Bring items close to your body before lifting
Use box or bag handles

Carrying Containers of Prepped Food

Hazard Pictogram

Don’t:

Store heavy boxes or bags on the top or bottom shelf
Always reach above your head to get stuff
Work in awkward postures
Carry an uneven load

How you could get hurt: Back Strain

Back Strain

Control Pictogram

Do:

Only carry a couple of containers at a time
Lift only what is good for you
Use a cart or trolley if you have to move a lot of stuff
Ask for help when you need it
Carry containers close to your body

Reaching

Hazard Pictogram

Don’t:

Carry too many containers
Lift or carry wrong
Always reach and bend to get stuff
Work in awkward postures
Carry an uneven load

How you could get hurt: Back Strain

Back Strain
Shoulder Strain

Control Pictogram

Do:

Keep the storage area clean
Store heavy items at waist level
Use a cart or trolley to move heavy items
Ask for help to lift items if you need it

If you have back pain you can use Ice back

Ice Pack for Lower Back Pain Relief/Back Wrap with Ice Packs for Lower Back Injuries, Sciatica, Coccyx, Scoliosis Herniated Disc – Adjustable Lumbar Support w/Hot Cold Therapy Wrap for Men Women

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