Alysha R. Meyers, PhD, CPE, is an epidemiologist in the NIOSH Division of Field Studies and Engineering, Center for Workers’ Compensation Studies, and a current member of the NORA Musculoskeletal Health Cross-Sector Council.
Research confirms that new guidelines to prevent worker hand, wrist, and elbow musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) better protect workers. MSDs can be debilitating and costly workplace safety and health issues. In Washington state alone, direct costs for hand, wrist, and elbow MSD workers’ compensation claims accounted for over $2 billion and 11.8 million lost work days from 1999-2013.
