Looking forward by looking back: Helping to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Over my career I have been involved in research covering three different strategies to reduce workplace injuries, namely: (a) developing bona fide occupational requirements for physically demanding jobs, (b) conducting training programs and a case-control study of low back pain in industry, and (c) developing ergonomically-designed equipment and tools. The purpose of this paper is to identify some areas where I believe research is needed to reduce the risks of musculoskeletal disorders. Hopefully, new researchers will pick up the torch on some of these topics and continue to enhance the impact of occupational biomechanics and ergonomics on improving jobs for workers.