Back disorders are closely connected to jobs that require manual lifting, frequent bends and twisting, or whole-body vibrations from motor vehicles. MSDs are more prevalent in jobs with high levels of stress, fast work pace, monotonous work, low job satisfaction and little decision-making power. The highest-risk industries for men are construction, carpentry, and industrial truck or tractor driving.
Women are more prone to be injured by working as nurses, nursing assistants, and maids or janitors.
One member of the study panel dissented with the majority over the effectiveness of certain procedures to reduce MSDs. He argued that there is no scientific research to support that theory. Although the study made no definitive conclusions, it took some of the blame away from work-related injuries. Since the ergonomics rule was introduced, small business groups have been arguing that there is no scientific basis for it, and that the regulations would be unduly burdensome on small firms. Frankly, the weight of the panel's review has reconfirmed fears in Congress that OSHA cobbled together a subjective, incomplete ergonomics standard, which is plainly inadequate to reduce effectively the majority of musculoskeletal disorders or to justify the most extensive and costly regulation in history.