Musculoskeletal disorders: a new approach Kamiel Vanwonterghem a,* Pongjan Yoopat b , Christophe Maes c a Cergo International, Breestraat, 28 b.8, B-3500 Hasselt, Belgium b Rangsit Research Institute, Rangsit University, Paholyotin Road, Muang Ake, 12000 Pathumtani, Thailand c Mensana, Gentste Steenweg, 132, 8400 Sijsele, Belgium Abstract. Musculoskeletal disorders are still a major problem in daily occupational life. Despite the high incidence rates and important consequences for employees, employers and society, efficient preventive strategies seem to fail in efficiency. The reason may be found in approaching the issue via the classic post-factum analysis. The preventive measures are almost not implemented because of the low predictability to be injured which affects the awareness of the problem and the low identification with the improvement proposals. MSD belong to the cumulative diseases which require and anticipating strategy based on early detection of pre-indicating symptoms. Keywords: musculoskeletal disorders, cumulative trauma disorders, anticipative prevention 1. Introduction: problem description At present the progress in preventing Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) seems to stagnate as demonstrated by many ad hoc initiatives as The Annual Conference Fit for Work Europe (October 2011) and related publications [1]. This paper is meant to bring an innovative idea for a better understanding of the MSD-problem and why the issue is so persistent. It also formulates arguments to the actual the prevention methods and will propose ideas about a practical tackling of the problems. Absenteeism due to injuries and diseases put a serious hypothecation on a rational development of the economic and socio-economic systems, because the importance of the direct and indirect costs affects the strategies of new investments, planning and employment strategies. Subsequently any negative phenomenon in the actual economic crisis should be avoided or prevented. Despite the multiple actions and prevention programs in Europe [2] the outcomes are disappointing as there is no substantial improvement in the MSD/CTD occurrence as it even put question marks behind ergonomics. Far from being negative about our discipline, it might be wise to take some comments into account as for example the note about OSHA Ergonomics standards [3] which mentions “Even though statistics show that MSDs occur in large numbers and are costly to business; ergonomics remains a complex and controversial issue. Some employer associations and organizations oppose mandates ergonomic guidelines, believe the seriousness of injuries is exaggerated, and question what causes these injuries” (sic). Although other organizations defend the discipline, this warning should be taken seriously, not only to defend ‘ergonomics’ but also the fight against MSD/CTD. The actual analyzing MSD prevention methods are almost stocked at the classical approach used in health and safety issues and which consist of 2 ways: 1) Studying the technical working conditions and 2) studying the effects on the people touched by an MSD. Both study-principles are per definition “post- factual” and are logic, because they reveal effectively the causes of registered cases and refer either to the working conditions (repetitive work, material handling, over-exertion,…) or to the injuries (carpal tunnel syndrome, low back pain, hernia, tension neck syndromes etc…). Work 41 (2012) 2293-2298 DOI: 10.3233/WOR-2012-0454-2293 IOS Press 1051-9815/12/$27.50 © 2012 – IOS Press and the authors. All rights reserved 2293