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Podcast: The Occupational Safety Leadership Podcast
Episode: Episode 235 - Tim Pottoroff-MSDs and Opioids - A Threat to Limb and Life
Description: Dr. Ayers sits down with Tim Pottoroff (“Ergo Tim”) to discuss the dangerous intersection between musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) and opioid use in the workplace. The episode highlights how untreated or poorly managed MSDs often lead workers into opioid prescriptions — and how that pathway can escalate into addiction, disability, or even death.
This is framed as both a safety issue and a public health crisis.
🧠 Key Themes
1. MSDs Are a Leading Driver of Workplace Pain
Strains, sprains, repetitive motion injuries, and poor ergonomics are among the most common workplace injuries.
When early intervention is missing, p...