The use of the term “repetitive motion injury” is commonplace within the medical and ergonomic industries. This is not accurate and is a barrier to building a prevention culture.

Repetitive motion is NOT the sole cause of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD). “Repetitive motion injury” implies a singular cause, typically without any evidence to establish such a correlation.

Think about it.  From a company perspective, to believe that repetitive motion is the sole cause of MSD is to believe that these disorders cannot be prevented without automation or a reduction in worker output/productivity.

From the employee perspective, to believe that repetitive motion is the sole cause of MSD is to believe that the employer is solely responsible for prevention! Is that the belief system regarding MSD that we want?

A comprehensive strategy is needed

When referring to various MSD such as carpel tunnel syndrome and tendinitis, we should not use the term “repetitive motion injury”. MSDs are the result of exposure to a number of different risk factors over a period of time. Trying to identify a singular cause is frustrating, futile and unproductive.

The more effective strategy is to consider all risk factors that contribute to MSD, and to implement a comprehensive strategy to eliminate those risks and build a true prevention culture.

Prevention of MSD is a shared responsibility. The company has the responsibility to provide a workplace free of ergonomic risk factors, AND each one of us is responsible for using the human body properly to do the job and for keeping our bodies healthy and fit for the work we have chosen.