Musculoskeletal Disorders are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting 1.1 million people a year. An estimated 12.3 million working days per a year are lost due to this disorder. Musculoskeletal disorders include problems such as low back pain, joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries of various sorts. Work Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (WRMSDs) include injuries caused by manual handling, upper limb disorders and Display Screen Equipment (DSE) use.
The following areas can create a risk:-
- Repetitive and heavy lifting
- Bending and twisting
- Repeating an action too frequently
- Uncomfortable working position
- Exerting too much force
- Working too long without breaks
- Adverse working environment
- Psychsocial factors (e.g. high job demands, time pressures and lack of control)
Employers should consider the above areas and carryout suitable and sufficient risk assessments of the tasks undertaken by the employees. Such risks should be avoided or controlled. This may include the use of specific work equipment, modifying the layout of the workplace / workstation and providing mechanical aids / mechanisation. Clear instruction and training for significant risks include:-
- employees being aware of the risk factors and early reporting systems;
- an awareness of safe systems of handling that are in place; and
- how to use controls and adjust workstations
Employers should be actively involved in managing WRMSD’s risks. They should set aims, assess risk, avoid / control, monitor progress, review and change as necessary.
For More Information
Use the links on the left to find out more about health and safety.
The Health and Safety Executive’s website also has comprehensive topics on complying with health and safety legislation
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