The APHIRM toolkit: an evidence-based system for workplace MSD risk management

Area of Science:

• Occupational Health and Safety
• Ergonomics
• Risk Management

Background:

• Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain a significant global occupational health issue.
• Current risk management strategies often neglect psychosocial hazards, worker participation, and source control.
• Existing methods fail to adequately address the multifaceted nature of MSD risk.

Purpose of the Study:

• To introduce a novel toolkit for participative hazard identification and risk management (APHIRM).
• To provide a structured approach for managing MSD risks by integrating evidence-based practices and implementation science.
• To enhance the effectiveness of occupational health and safety interventions through worker involvement.

Main Methods:

• Development of the APHIRM toolkit, incorporating online tools with automated analysis and reporting.
• Guidance through a five-stage risk management cycle, focusing on job-level hazards and risks.
• Integration of the World Health Organisation framework and implementation science principles.
• Emphasis on assessing both physical and psychosocial hazards for specific job roles.

Main Results:

• The APHIRM toolkit facilitates a comprehensive assessment of workplace hazards and risks.
• It enables customized interventions targeting identified physical and psychosocial factors.
• The toolkit supports iterative risk management cycles for continuous outcome evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The APHIRM toolkit offers a structured, participative approach to mitigate MSD risks.
• It addresses critical gaps in current occupational health and safety practices.
• Effective MSD risk reduction requires a holistic strategy encompassing psychosocial factors and worker engagement.