Physical work may be risky - but why? the underlying pathomechanics of musculoskeletal injury

摘要

One of the curiosities associated with the groundswell of interest in the field of ergonomics-and the increasing awareness of the potential for injury as a consequence of physical work-is the schism that exists between the disciplines of ergonomics and those relating to physiology. With few exceptions, the conferences on ergonomics-and the ergonomics portions of those on industrial hygiene-rarely provide papers or presentations that relate to the physiological mechanisms that are associated with the occurrence of musculoskeletal injuries. However, it is believed that developing an appreciation of the basic factors that underlie musculoskeletal injury will provide both a more coherent understanding of why injuries occur as well as a broader, better integrated, and more generalizable basis for developing appropriate interventions. At the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health, the epidemiological and intervention studies that have been a major focus of ongoing MSD-related research have been joined by a new research program dedicated to achieving a more basic understanding of factors that produce injury. The presentations comprising this session depict the nature of this new research initiative and provides examples of research being undertaken elsewhere that are also contributing to this research base. The present paper provides an overview of the NIOSH Health Effects Laboratory Division's pathomechanics research program.