Integration of musculoskeletal disorders prevention into management systems: A qualitative study of key informants’ perspectives

Introduction Musculoskeletal disorders (MSD) constitute a substantial fraction of workplace injuries and can result in costs to employers, workers, and societies as a whole. MSD prevention programs disparate from wider organizational approaches can be costly, ineffective and unmaintainable. Objective This study examines key informants’ perspectives on the integration of MSD prevention programs into management systems as a solution to issues associated with isolated or separate program. Method Seven Health & Safety (H&S) consultants, five H&S managers, five researchers, three policy makers, and three labour representatives were interviewed on this topic. A thematic analysis approach was used to code and analyze the data from the key informants’ interviews. Results The participants consistently suggested that a disconnect of MSD prevention strategies from management system frameworks can lead to inadequate attention and ineffective prevention policies. Integration of MSD prevention into management systems was highly supported. Incorporating MSD hazard identification and assessment into tools such as Failure Mode Effects Analysis, Job Safety Analysis, decision making tools, and Kamishibai and Ishakawa (for Lean) was suggested to improve MSD prevention. Contribution This study gives expert insight into challenges associated with MSD risk factors as well as solutions regarding current approaches to MSD prevention and effective tools for implementation.