A qualitative exploration of tools used by WHS professionals for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders

Abstract

Although a number of prevention tools are available to support work health and safety (WHS) professionals in the prevention of work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs), little is known about their use in real world settings. The aim of the current study was to explore the use of tools designed for the identification and management of physical and psychosocial hazards, in a range of high-risk industry sectors, to support prevention of WMSDs. A qualitative study design was used. Twenty-nine WHS professionals from high WMSD risk industry sectors were interviewed and presented with a list of 33 tools (identified through a literature review) designed to support risk management of WMSDs, to determine, 1) their level of awareness and use of tools 2) how tools were being used, and 3) barriers to implementation of these tools. Most participants reported awareness of some of the 33 tools presented however, only 30% of participants were currently using at least one of these toolsin their practice. Reported barriers to the use of tools included a lack of tool awareness and availability, practical deficits in the tools, and organisational challenges to implementation. WMSDs are complex disorders which require identification and control of relevant physical and psychosocial workplace hazards, yet findings from the current study suggest that tools are not being effectively used to support mitigation of workplace physical and psychosocial hazards. Improved availability of practical tools and implementation guidance is required to support effective implementation of tools for workplace risk management of WMSDs. Future research into the development and implementation of new evidence-based tools would assist in improving the effectiveness of WMSD risk management in high-risk industry sector workplaces.