Originally published: Medianet, 21 October 2024
Today, the Australian Chiropractors Association (ACA) launched National WorkSpace Week (21-27 October 2024) as part of National Safe Work Month aimed at reducing the occurrence and impact of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) – Australia’s leading workplace injury.
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the third largest Australian health burden behind cancer and mental health, are a range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves and supporting blood vessels, WMSDs may be caused by a single workspace event, but commonly result from repeated, harmful workspace activities over an extended period of time.
‘The Impact of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders & Injuries in Australia’, a national independent survey conducted by Pureprofile, commissioned by the ACA, revealed the high prevalence of WMSDs among Australian workers.