This document discusses work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in the banking sector. It notes that WRMSDs affect tendons, muscles and nerves as a result of exposure to work risks like force, repetition, awkward posture, vibration and cold temperatures. Banking workers are at risk if not trained in proper ergonomics. Common WRMSDs for bankers include neck, shoulder, elbow, wrist and back problems. The document recommends solutions like physiotherapy, ergonomic training, early reporting, and addressing issues before they become chronic. Proper ergonomic design of workstations and lifting techniques can help prevent overuse injuries and support productivity and health.

1. By Moti M Wilson
PT, BSc
Prime Physiotherapy & Rehabilitation
Services
WORK-RELATED
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS
IN BANKING SECTOR

2. Logic dictates that if we work
more efficiently, we will be
more productive and,
therefore, more satisfied with
our personal work, our
wages, and the use of our
leisure time.

3. INTRODUCTION
 Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders is a
group of ailments that affect tendon, muscle and
nerve complex as a result of being exposed to
work risks.
 The risks majorly include:
 Force
 Repetition
 Awkward & Prolonged Posture
 Contact stress
 Vibration
 Cold temperature with above risks.

4. INTRODUCTION CONTINUED
 Banking is a sector not spared by
musculoskeletal disorders as workers not trained
of appropriate work ergonomics and management
strategies end up being subjected to the various
risks over long duration only to end up reporting
the cases while in the chronic state.
 Knowledge on occurrence forms a vital aspect in
the prevention so that every bank employee can
enjoy the work as well as cut down on medical
bills incurred annually in addressing MSD.

5. COMMON BANKING MSD
 NECK
 Posture related
muscular strain
 Cervical radiculopathy
 Facet syndrome
 Cervical headaches
 Spinal stenosis
 SHOULDERS
 Rotator cuff/ impengment
sydrome
 Glenihumeral instability
 Thoracic outlet syndrome
 Adhesive capsulities
 ELBOW & WRIST
 Tendinopathy
 Nerver
compression
 Carpal tunnel
syndrome
 Dequervain’s
disease
 BACK
 Postural dysfuction
 Segmental intability
 Spinal stenosis
 Lumbar radiculopathy
 Facet syndrome
 Non-specific

6. OTHERS
 CHEST TIGHTNESS
 PSYCHOSOCIAL ISSUES

8. SOLUTION STRATEGIES
 Physiotherapy / Ergonomics
 Proper use of office equipment
 Awareness of poor biomechanics
 Early recognition, identification
 Address incidence early before chronicity
 Proper reporting strategies

9. WHY PHYSIOTHERAPY
 Physiotherapy is a science-based profession that
takes into account a whole person approach to
health and wellbeing, which include the client’s
general lifestyle.
 At core is the patient getting involved in their own
care through education, awareness,
empowerment and participation in treatment
 A physiotherapist is the equivalent of the Physical
Therapist in British and is a healthcare profession
who specializes in maximizing human movement,
function and potential.

10. CONTINUATION
 Evidence based physiotherapy will entail:
 History taking
 Assessment and tests
 Treatment
 Evaluation and review
 Prognosis
 Treatment Basis
Treatment rendered will depend upon the diagnosis arrived
by the physiotherapist and will include stretching tight
muscles, strengthening weak muscles, correcting posture,
addressing biomechanics, ergonomic education, hands on
mobilization and manipulation and use of machine such us
electrotherapy modalities, heat therapy, cold therapy and
traction.

12. NECK AND BACK HINT
 POSTURE EDUCATION/ BACK SCHOOL
 GOOD TO HAVE YOUR WORK STATION
ASSESSED
 LOWER BACK SHOULD BE WELL
SUPPORTED IN SITTING
 AVOID WORKING WITH PROTRACTED
SHOULDER BLADES
 AVOID SLOUCHING IN THE SEAT
 BEST NOT TO SLEEP WITH YOUR STOMACH
 EMBACE GOOD WORK ERGONOMICS
 IMPROVE SURFACE CONTACT

13. Ergonomics is employed to fulfill the two goals
of health and productivity. It is relevant in the
design of such things as safe furniture and
easy-to-use interfaces to machines and
equipment.
Proper ergonomic design is necessary to
prevent repetitive strain injuries, which can
develop over time and can lead to long-term
disability.
Patients often come to the clinic with overuse
injuries that can only be addressed by

14. FRIENDLY OFFICE WORK
SEAT
LUMBAR
SUPPORT
Lordotic curve is vital
to be
Mainatined so as not
to overstrain the back

15. BODY BIOMECHANICS
 The greater the understanding
of how the body moves and the
capacity of joints, bones and
ligaments to perform certain
actions, the easier it is to
improve the execution of the
movements required for each
activity.
 Individuals who incorporate
proper biomechanics are able
to pursue their potential to their

16. Ankle angle with floor 100-120
Knees bent to 90-130 degrees
Hips at 90-120 degrees
Lordotic spine
Shoulders retracted
Head in neutral

17. Ergonomic Principles
 Avoid Awkward Posture that
increase the risk of a work
related MSk disorder.

18. Ergonomic Principles
 The “Work Envelope”
is a zone that an
employee performs
most common tasks.
Frequently used
materials and controls
should be within 16-
18 inches of operator.

20. Prevention of WRMSD via
Ergonomics
 Good Body Posture-
Equipment, tools,
furniture, & visual
demands have direct
effect on posture.
 Take work breaks to
change position.

21. Prevention of WRMSD via
Ergonomics- Lifting Best Practices
Assess the situation.
 How far will you have to carry the load? Is the path
clear?
 Once the load is lifted, will it block your view?
 Can the load be broken down into smaller parts?
 Should you wear gloves to get a better grip?
Size up the load.
 Test the weight by lifting or sliding one corner. If it is
too heavy or awkward, STOP!
 Can you use a mechanical lift or hand truck?
 Can you lift the load safely, or is it a two- or more
person lift? If you doubt you can lift the load safely,
ask for help.

22. Ergonomics- Best
Practices for Lifting
 Use good lifting techniques. Get close to the load
with your feet shoulder-width apart.
 Get a good handhold, and pull the load close to you
 Bend at your knees and hips, keep the inward curve in
your back (a neutral spine), and lift with your legs.
 If you need to lean forward, support your upper body
weight with one hand.

23. Ergonomics- Best Practices for
Lifting
Maintains the natural
curves in the spine.
Pivot instead of twisting.

24. RECOGNITION/
IDENTIFICATION
 Understanding the signs and symptoms of
WRMSDs is a strategy in health office
management. It gives the opinion to seek help.
 Not limited to pain, tenderness, tingling, stiffness,
swelling or inability to use a part.

25. CONTROL PHASES
 ENGINEERING CONTROL.
Physical modification to a process, or process
equipment, or the installation of further equipment.
 WORK PRACTICE CONTROL.
work station modification to reduce/ eliminate the
likelihood of exposure by altering how task is done.
 PERSONAL/PROTECTIVE CONTROL.
Inbuilt behavioral strategies in management and
understanding of undertakings as well as having
appropriate tools.
 ADMINISTRATIVE CONTROL.
Involves training, education and application of SOP

26. Ergonomics Finalize
 Consider the specific tasks of the patients in
order to make meaningful changes.
 What is your advice for this vegetable seller
on the left?

27.  High prevalence of MSDs is a symptom of
“system failure” and should be addressed
basing on quality and productivity
• System goals
• Task allocation
• Work organization
• Job designing

28. Comment and
Questions
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