What are MSD injuries?

According to OSHA, work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect different parts of the body and are among the most frequently reported causes of lost or restricted work time.¹ Additionally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported in 2019 that injuries caused by repetitive hand motion make up for 29% of all workplace injuries to the upper extremities.²

Here are some of the most reported musculoskeletal injuries:

• Rotator Cuff Injuries: A rotator cuff is a group of muscles and tendons that surround the shoulder joint. Rotator cuff injuries occur most often in people who repeatedly perform overhead motions in their jobs.


• Epicondylitis: Epicondylitis is a painful condition that occurs when tendons or ligaments in your elbow are overloaded, usually by repetitive motions of the wrist and arm. The pain might spread into your forearm and wrist. The 2 common types are Lateral epicondylitis (Tennis elbow) and Medial epicondylitis (Golfer’s elbow).


• Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS): CTS is the feeling of numbness, tingling, or weakness in your hand as a result of repetitive motions such as typing. This is especially true of actions when your hands are positioned lower than your wrists.


• Trigger finger: Trigger finger occurs when the tendon in the affected finger becomes inflamed. This condition includes stiffness, a popping or clicking sensation, and tenderness in the affected finger. Triggering is usually worse in the morning.


• Muscle strains: Muscles strains occur as a result of exerted force. Exceeding the limits of the musculoskeletal system can lead to decreased strength and increased risk of injury as well as damage to the work product.

What are the known causes of MSDs?

When workers carry out demanding, tedious, or repetitive job functions, the muscles, nerves, and tendons in their hands, wrists, and arms are susceptible to strain.

Such strain can result from either bare-handed or gloved operations but can be exacerbated by glove use when the gloves are thick, rigid, slippery, ill-fitting, or otherwise uncomfortable. In fact, when a person wears a glove that restricts movement, he or she must exert more muscle effort to perform tasks, thus increasing the risk of strain.

What are the effects of MSDs?

Over time, the strain caused by repetitive motion or prolonged exertion can lead to muscle fatigue, pain, injury, and possibly loss of income.

According to the National Safety Council, the costs of ergonomic injuries are estimated to affect companies up to $36,000 each year.³

Why is MSD prevention important?

Workers rely heavily on their hands to conduct tasks of all kinds, but long-term strain and muscle exertion are recognized risk factors that lead to various MSDs and injuries in nearly every occupation.

By understanding the key roles different muscle groups play in performing tasks and applying its expertise in safety glove manufacture, Ansell has developed innovative solutions proven to help reduce muscle strain and tension – and even improve muscle performance – in the hand, wrist, and arm. When employers supply workers with ergonomically designed gloves, they can minimize the risk of injury, support compliance, improve worker safety and productivity.

How do I choose the right glove?

To ensure the selection of ergonomic gloves proven to strategically alleviate joint, tendon, and ligament strain and associated injury, Ansell has developed a framework that combines ergonomics and other hazards to ease the entire selection process:

• Ergo + Cut

Certain workers are exposed to dangerous conditions such as punctures and cuts while suffering ergonomic injuries from repetitive motion. The right protective solutions play an important role in reducing the risk of injury.

• Ergo + Abrasion

When on the job, workers often underestimate the hazards they may face. Wearing gloves that protect against common ailments such as abrasion or repetitive motion injuries can keep workers safe and productive.

• Ergo + Chemical

In some cases, workers need to be protected from musculoskeletal injuries in addition to contamination from chemicals. Choose PPE with an appropriate protective barrier that also allows for the necessary comfort and dexterity.

• Ergo + Impact

The use of heavy-duty hand-held powered equipment can result in muscle fatigue and musculoskeletal injuries. The appropriate PPE can protect your hands from compromising repetitive motions.

How Ansell can help?

ERGOFORM™ Ergonomic Design Technology is an innovative technology that enables Ansell to design glove solutions that support musculoskeletal health during repetitive tasks and improves worker performance. We are one of the first glove manufacturers to offer ergonomically certified gloves and this was made possible by measuring the toll of occupational activities and apply cutting-edge technologies to engineer solutions that maximize dexterity, comfort, and fit. Through our ERGOFORM™ Technology, Ansell applies knowledge of typical muscle use in common tasks and produces gloves that alleviate muscle strain and tension. The strategic design results in an improved fit and feel for workers, and laboratory tests prove that products designed with ERGOFORM™ Technology markedly reduce muscle effort when compared to competitive products. Over time, the use of ERGOFORM™ designed gloves may lead to less downtime and fewer injuries, and therefore more consistent levels of quality and productivity.

^{(1) https://www.osha.gov/ergonomics
(2) 2019 US Bureau of Labor Statistics
(3) National Safety Council for the cost $ figure}