WOMEN'S SAFETY AND HEALTH ISSUES AT WORK
Health Concerns: Ergonomics and Muscle/Bone Disorders
Muscle/bone or "musculoskeletal" disorders are illnesses or injuries of the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, arms, legs, neck, or lower back. Musculoskeletal disorders are caused or made worse by sudden force, repetitious movement, constant vibration, or awkward posture. Ergonomics is a field of science that works to find solutions to ensure workers stay safe, comfortable, and productive. These solutions usually involve changing tools, equipment, materials, work methods, or the work environment to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
More research is needed to figure out why women have a higher chance of getting musculoskeletal disorders than men. The higher rate of these disorders among women could be related to job differences or physical differences between men and women.
NIOSH Publications
Control of Health and
Safety Hazards in Commercial Drycleaners: Chemical Exposures, Fire
Hazards, and Ergonomic Risk Factors
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-150 (December 1997)
Musculoskeletal
Disorders and Workplace Factors: A Critical Review of Epidemiologic
Evidence for Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders of the Neck, Upper
Extremity, and Low Back
DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 97-141 (July 1997)
- Hoskins, A. Occupational injuries, illnesses, and fatalities among women. Monthly Labor Review Online. 2005.
Contact Us:
- National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
- 800-CDC-INFO
(800-232-4636)
TTY: (888) 232-6348 - New Hours of Operation
8am-8pm ET/Monday-Friday
Closed Holidays - cdcinfo@cdc.gov
