Managing Musculoskeletal Risks
While undertaking my Continual Professional Development (CPD) recently, I was reminded of the HSE 10 year Strategy published in 2022 and entitled ‘Protecting People and Places’. The strategy document references that while the UK has one of the lowest rates of workplace injuries in Europe, work related ill health is increasing. Although the most commonly reported causes of work related ill health in the UK are stress or depression, musculoskeletal issues often do lead to long term health related absences from the workplace.
Managing Musculoskeletal Risks
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are among the most common workplace injuries, affecting millions of workers across various industries. According to the HSE latest summary statistics for Great Britain report 2024, 32% of work related ill health was due to MSDs.
These disorders can lead to significant health issues such as pain, reduced quality of life, and productivity losses. However, with proper awareness and preventive strategies, many of the risks that cause MSDs can be effectively managed.
Musculoskeletal disorders encompass a range of conditions that affect the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, cartilage, and spinal discs. Common examples include carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, muscle strains, sciatica, and back injuries. These conditions typically develop over time due to:
- Repetitive movements - Performing the same motion repeatedly
- Awkward postures - Working in positions that put strain on the body
- Forceful exertions - Applying excessive force when lifting or pushing
- Static positions - Maintaining the same position for extended periods
- Vibration exposure - Operating vibrating tools or equipment
- Poor ergonomics - Improperly designed workstations or tools
- Workplace Risk Management Strategies
The first step in managing musculoskeletal risks is identifying where they exist. A thorough assessment should:
1. Identify specific tasks or activities with potential musculoskeletal hazards
2. Evaluate the frequency, duration, and intensity of risk factors
3. Determine which workers or departments may be at higher risk
4. Document findings to develop targeted interventions.
Implementing Ergonomic Solutions
Ergonomics is the science of designing the workplace to fit the worker.
It plays a crucial role in preventing MSDs.
There are many ways to implement ergonomic solutions in a work environment such as a low cost option of adjustment of work equipment to more expensive solutions of re-designing the layout of a workplace and installing equipment to meet the needs and comfort of the workforce.
Some examples of re-designing a workplace layout are:
Office Settings: Including adjustable chairs, monitor positioning, ergonomic keyboards, document holders, footrests, sit-stand desks, and proper placement of frequently used items.
Manufacturing and Production: Focusing on workstation heights, anti-fatigue mats, conveyor systems, jigs and fixtures, mechanical aids, and mobile carts.
Healthcare Settings: Addressing patient handling challenges with ceiling lifts, adjustable beds, transfer aids, and specialised equipment for clinical procedures.
Retail and Service Industries: Providing solutions for checkout counters, scanning equipment, stocking activities, and prolonged standing.
For further information about ergonomics and examples of problems and solutions, read the Arinite Factsheet 0155 on Ergonomics.
Effective Administrative Controls
Implementing ergonomic solutions is one of the best ways to reduce work related MSDs although there are more cost-effective administrative controls such as having organisational policies in place to reduce risks for example:
- Rotate workers among different tasks to vary muscle usage
- Schedule regular breaks to allow for recovery
- Adjust production rates to prevent prolonged repetitive motions
- Provide comprehensive training on proper techniques
- Encourage reporting of early symptoms
- Establish ergonomic committees to monitor and improve conditions
Personal Prevention Strategies
We should also be aware that workers can adopt personal prevention strategies as these can significantly reduce their risk by adopting proper techniques.
Employers however still have responsibility to train and inform their workers about these strategies as they don’t come naturally to everyone.
- Maintain neutral postures whenever possible while undertaking tasks.
- When lifting use the legs rather than the back as these muscles are much stronger and less prone to damage.
- Avoid twisting while handling loads and when moving with them.
- Keep heavy loads close to the body. Stretching out the arms straight putting a heavy load further away from the body, increases the pressure on the back muscles significantly.
- For loads mounted on trolleys or carts, push rather than pull when moving items.
- Building physical resilience by regular strength training to support vulnerable muscle groups will develop a conditioned body that is more resistant to injury.
Conclusion
Managing musculoskeletal risks requires a multifaceted approach combining workplace modifications, administrative controls, personal practices, and early intervention.
Remember that the best approach to musculoskeletal health is proactive rather than reactive.
Prevention is always more effective and less costly than treatment after an injury has occurred.
By implementing these strategies, organisations and individuals can significantly reduce the incidence and severity of musculoskeletal disorders, leading to healthier, more productive work environments.
Contact us
Arinite clients worldwide appreciate we provide practical, no-nonsense advice about what you need to do to establish and maintain a safe and healthy working environment.
Our team of Global, Locally Based, Health and Safety Consultants take pride in keeping health and safety simple.
If you need to call upon our expert assistance, or just for an informal chat, please call our office +44 207 947 9581, or type an enquiry to: https://www.arinite.co.uk/contact-us/.
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