Preventing RSI: INMASYS solutions

Understanding Musculoskeletal Disorders

MSDs are pains that affect various parts of the body, including muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, cartilage and sometimes nerves. The areas most frequently affected include the hands, wrists, elbows, shoulders, neck and back.

These pains can take different forms, such as tendonitis, bursitis, epicondylitis, tenosynovitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, sprain or herniated disc, depending on the part of the body affected.

In general, these uncomfortable disorders develop gradually over a period of weeks, months or even years, although they can also occur suddenly. Symptoms of MSDs vary considerably and can include pain, discomfort, weakness, stiffness, tingling or numbness. It is therefore essential to intervene quickly at the onset of these symptoms to avoid any worsening, as full recovery may be compromised if the problem persists.

MSDs are on the increase in industrialized countries, and according to Santé Publique France, on March 1, 2022 they accounted for 88% of occupational illnesses recognized by the general health insurance scheme, i.e. over 45,000 cases. The main sectors affected are the agri-food industry, metallurgy, mass retailing, etc., and affect men and women of all ages.

Contributing factors and MSD prevention

There are many factors contributing to MSDs, including tiring or uncomfortable postures, heavy muscular effort, continuous repetition of the same gestures for hours on end, working in a cold environment or exposed to vibrations, using the hands like a hammer, and pressure or friction on certain parts of the body. The risk of MSDs often results from a combination of these factors.

MSD prevention can be achieved through a three-step approach, consisting of ;

• Identify work situations involving MSD hazards,
• Correct these situations,
• Monitor the application of corrective measures.

Industrial handling solutions from INMASYS

INMASYS designs and manufactures industrial manipulators for effortless lifting and moving of loads from 1 to 250 kg.

With an action radius of over 7 meters, our ergonomic manipulators enable you to lift heavy loads with just one hand. These are real assets for optimizing your productivity and reducing the risk of work-related accidents linked to RSI.

Our aim is clear: to offer solutions that considerably reduce the occurrence of these disorders.