Focus on Wellness:
Musculoskeletal Disorders


Some of the most common work-related injuries in the transit, school bus, and over-the-road bus industries involve musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), often called repetitive strain injuries. The information below is designed to help ATU members in these industries understand MSDs, their causes, and what workers and their employers can do to prevent them.

What are MSDs?

Work-related MSDs most often occur in the fingers, hands, wrists, elbows, arms, shoulders, back, and neck. Possible symptoms include pain, swelling, numbness, tingling, tenderness, spasms, weakness, loss of joint mobility, and/or loss of coordination.

Common types of MSDs include:

  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - the inflammation of the nerves in the wrist, hand, and fingers
  • Raynaud's Syndrome - a blood vessel disorder, usually in the fingers or hands - also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome or white finger disease
  • Tendinitis - inflammation of a tendon or the sheath that surrounds a tendon
  • Thoracic Outlet Syndrome - disorder of the nerves and blood vessels in the shoulder
  • Low Back Pain

Why are Transportation Workers at Risk for MSDs?

By the very nature of their jobs, transportation workers, including vehicle operators, maintenance workers, and clerical workers are at high risk for these types of injuries, which result from long term overuse or misuse of muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage, or spinal discs during work.

Common working conditions in the transportation industry that can result in a work-related MSD include:

  • Repetition- performing the same motions over and over
  • Awkward or Fixed Posture - performing assigned tasks in an awkward position or holding the same position for a long time (e.g., sitting in a small, non-adjustable driver's seat)
  • Forceful Movement - exerting excessive force while lifting, pulling, pushing, twisting, or gripping a tool or object
  • Vibration - exposure to motion from power or pneumatic tools and equipment or vehicle movement
  • Contact Pressure - exerting direct pressure on soft tissues (e.g., tool handles that are too short or have ridges that dig into the palm of the hand or sharp seat edges that dig into the backs of the legs)
  • Insufficient Recovery Time - being on-duty for long periods without adequate rest breaks
  • Working in Cold Environments - working in temperatures below 15oC (59oF), which reduces blood flow to and from the extremities, decreasing muscle strength and dexterity and leading to increased risk of injury
  • Stress - resulting from fast work pace, lack of control over work or circumstances outside of work

What Can Be Done to Prevent Work Related MSDs?

Workplace conditions that result in musculoskeletal disorders can be corrected through the use of ergonomics - this means designing or redesigning tools, equipment, workstations, and job tasks to prevent discomfort or injury for an individual worker.

Changes can be made in:

  • Work Station Design - This includes making such things as the position and height of seats, work surfaces, and equipment controls adjustable; supporting seating and standing positions; and using mechanical lifts for lifting or moving heavy objects.
  • Tool Selection and Design - Tool size, shape, and forces needed are important factors in the prevention of MSDs. Tools requiring minimal grip and maximal comfort will reduce injuries. Evaluate the shape, length, grip thickness, hand span (for tools such as pliers), grip surface and texture, and weight and balance (especially for power tools) of tools. Use vibrating tools such as pneumatic hammers that are designed so that the cold air back-blast does not pass over the hands. Thick handle surfaces also dampen the vibration without increasing grip strength requirements.
  • Work Task Design - Jobs can be redesigned to permit frequent rest breaks and to minimize repetitive tasks.

What Are Employers Required to Do About MSDs?

While both the U.S. and Canadian governments have issued voluntary ergonomic guidelines for employers, neither country requires employers to take actions to prevent MSDs or reduce MSD risk-factors. An ergonomics rule issued by the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration on November 14, 2000, was repealed by the U.S. Congress before it was ever implemented. The ATU and other labor organizations are actively urging Congress and the Administration to implement a final rule.

What Should You Do if You Think You Have a MDS?

ATU members experiencing symptoms of a MSD are encouraged to consult with their doctor and their union representative. Certain types of doctors - such as occupational physicians, neurologists, orthopedists, and physiatrists (rehabilitation specialists) - are often familiar with work-related MSDs. These are the appropriate professionals to diagnose work-related injuries and support workers' compensation claims.