Musculoskeletal disorders: what are they? How can they be prevented?

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a disease that affects joints, muscles, tendons and nerves. It can be aggravated by difficult working conditions, and involves physical and psychological risks that should not be overlooked. There are a number of effective solutions, such as anti-fatigue and safety floor mats, to limit the occurrence of RSI in the workplace.

The impact of MSDs on companies

Strenuous work, carrying heavy loads, repetitive movements, prolonged standing... These are all factors that can lead to musculoskeletal disorders.

These are not to be taken lightly: in the workplace, almost half of all MSDs result in permanent disability, with the risk of losing one's job.

This risk is compounded by psychosocial factors such as lack of autonomy, monotonous work and pressure on employees.

Today,MSDs account for 87% of occupational illnesses, and affect companies in a wide range of sectors, including industry and thehospitality industry. The economic stakes are high: the deterioration in an employee's quality of life and health leads to negative repercussions such as team disorganization, a poor working atmosphere, a damaged corporate image, loss of productivity and performance, and absenteeism.

Did you know?

According to Assurance Maladie, the areas most affected by MSDs are the hand and wrist (38%), shoulders (30%), elbow (22%), lower back (7%) and knee (2%).

Limiting RSI with anti-fatigue and safety mats

MSDs are generally caused by poor working conditions in the workplace. These can include falls due to wet floors, awkward standing postures... Factors which, over the long term, cause pain, clumsiness and loss of strength.

While it's difficult to prevent them completely, it is possible to prevent them. The solution? Install a professional floor mat. There are several types to choose from:

- The anti-fatigue and safety mat

This professional mat is designed for staff who work in a standing position and are required to "walk" for several hours at a time. It is composed of air cushions that stimulate muscle contractions, improve blood circulation and absorb the shocks generated by walking. The result is good posture and ergonomic comfort all day long.

Your employees will feel like they're walking on a spring, which will limit the phenomenon of flat feet and reduce fatigue in the feet and lower limbs. For wet or oily environments, sales outlets, factories, garages... NEOSOL offers a wide catalog of anti-fatigue and safety matsto meet every need.

- Anti-slip floor mats

These high-quality mats are designed with anti-slip technology to stay firmly in place, withstand heavy foot traffic and reduce the risk of falls and accidents. These mats are easy to install, and come in a range of models and colors to integrate easily into your spaces without distorting them. For hotels and restaurants, there are also food processing mats which - in addition to being non-slip and absorbent - resist grease and oil, ensuring the comfort and safety of your staff.

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Also read: Anti-fatigue mats: why use them for standing work?