Jun 14, 2021
The Problem of Work-Related MSDs in American Industries
Work-related musculoskeletal disorders, or MSDs, is an ever-increasing problem in American industries. Coupled with the fact that upper limb disorders are costing America billions of dollars each year, the need for preventive measures against occupational MSDs becomes even more acute, writes Petter Bäckgren, CEO of Bioservo Technologies.
Hand related musculoskeletal disorders or MSDs in the workplace are becoming increasingly common. Work-related MSDs have long been associated with heavier, more manual industries such as manufacturing, construction, and transport. The automation and modernization of today's industry worksites has resulted in increased exposure to loads on the upper limbs resulting in upper limb musculoskeletal disorders. These injuries are costing America a lot of money: The Institute in Medicine estimates that work-related MSDs – as measured by compensation costs, lost wages, and lost productivity – cost between $45 and $54 billion annually. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly 350,000 cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were reported in the U.S. in 2016. The need for grasp intensive work will not go away: America relies on industries such as automotive, construction, manufacturing and more, where these injuries are especially common. They will become even more prevalent – unless we do something to prevent it.
Preventing hand related MSDs using a grip-strengthening exoskeleton glove
The founders of Swedish Medtech company Bioservo Technologies saw the need for preventive measures against work-related MSDs already in the early 2000s. To combat the problem, we developed the world’s first active soft exoskeleton for the hand – Ironhand. The glove is powered by a portable battery and equipped with internet connection and machine learning software. Ironhand aims to keep the user strong, healthy and efficient by aiding and strengthening their grip – thus minimising the risks of incurring musculoskeletal disorders.
Preventive solutions such as the Ironhand glove are needed in order to tackle the increasing problem of hand related MSDs in America, especially in grip-intensive industries. According to Liberty Mutual, the largest workers’ compensation insurance provider in the United States, overexertion injuries from tasks such as holding, lifting, pushing, pulling, or carrying an object, cost employers $13.4 billion every year. Repetitive, grip-intensive tasks that require strength cause repetitive strain injuries (RSIs) and other MSDs alarmingly often. Besides costing America a lot of money, the problem of hand related MSDs is also causing thousands of American workers debilitating pain.
Don’t let work-related MSDs become the main reason for early retirement in American industries – especially when there are ways of preventing them. By implementing preventive measures today, we can save lots of workers from painful musculoskeletal disorders tomorrow.
For more information, please contact
Petter Bäckgren, CEO of Bioservo Technologies AB
Phone: +46 (0)8 21 17 10
petter.backgren@bioservo.com
Mikael Wester, Marketing Director of Bioservo Technologies AB
Phone: +46 (0)8 21 17 10
mikael.wester@bioservo.com
About Bioservo Technologies
Bioservo Technologies AB (publ) is a world leading company in wearable muscle strengthening systems for people in need of extra strength and endurance. All our innovative products and systems are designed to keep people strong, healthy and efficient.
The company has a unique global position within soft exoskeleton technology for the hand, both for industrial applications to improve the health for workers and to improve quality of life for people with reduced muscle strength. Bioservo Technologies was founded in 2006 in collaboration between researchers at the Royal Institute of Technology and a doctor at Karolinska University Hospital. Bioservo Technologies is a Swedish public limited company with headquarters in Stockholm.
FNCA Sweden AB, +46(0)8-52800399, info@fnca.se is the company’s Certified Adviser on Nasdaq First North Growth Market.
For more information, please visit www.bioservo.com