MSDs are conditions affecting the musculoskeletal system. The term MSDs covers any injury, damage or disorder of the joints, muscles, tendons, nerves or other tissues in the upper limbs (for example neck, shoulders and/or arms), lower limbs (for example hips, knees, ankles and/or feet) and/or the back. They generally arise out of physical activities that individuals carry out. Whilst they are not exclusively linked to work-related activities, pre-existing conditions may be exacerbated at work.
How do MSDs develop?
Work-related MSDs can develop in an occupational setting due to the physical tasks with which individuals carry out as part of their normal work activities and may also result from injury sustained in a work-related accident. MSDs tend to develop over a period of time with a cumulative effect, often progressing from mild to more severe conditions.
Whilst workers in all industries and in all sizes of business are at risk of work-related MSDs, a higher incident rate can be linked to:
agriculture, forestry and fishing
logistics and transport
construction
health and social care sectors
Often workers in these industries carry out a wide range of manual handling tasks.
What are the Symptoms of MSDs?
Symptoms may include:
pain
discomfort
tingling in the affected area
MSDs can be life changing and may have serious implications for an individual’s health and quality of life.
Key messages about work-related MSDs:
employers and employees can take simple precautions to prevent or minimise work-related MSDs
prevention measures can be cost effective
early reporting of MSD related symptoms, proper treatment, and suitable rehabilitation is essential
Risk factors for work-related MSDs:
Physical risk factors for developing work-related MSDs can be associated with work activities which involve:
manual handling
repetitive tasks or movements
poorly designed tasks that require fixed or constrained body positions
force concentrated on one part of the body, for example the hand or wrist
a high pace of work with limited rest between tasks
exposure to vibration
work which is machine or system paced
Based on the Labour Force Survey (LFS) data, manual handling, awkward or tiring positions and keyboard work or repetitive action, were estimated to be the top three causes of work-related MSDs prior to the pandemic.
Psychosocial risk factors, i.e. matters which may affect workers' psychological response to their work and workplace conditions, also need to be considered. Examples include:
high workloads
tight deadlines
lack of control of the work and working methods
employees being unable to fully utilise their skills
employees not being involved in decision making which affects them
perception of excessive work demands
pay based on completed work resulting in working without adequate breaks or hastily
Stress-related body changes or behavioural changes can make people more susceptible to musculoskeletal problems, for example, workers may experience increased muscle tension or carry out work activities without sufficient rest breaks to meet strict deadlines.
Additionally stress, organisational culture, the health and safety climate and individual characteristics may create the conditions for work-related MSDs to occur.
Generally, none of these factors act separately to cause work-related MSDs.Therefore, all factors should be considered together in preventing work-related MSDs. Effective measures to control the risk of work-related MSDs across all industries needs to be proactively considered by employers and the self-employed.
The way to reduce work-related MSD risks, giving the greatest benefit, is by using an ergonomic approach to identify both the physical and psychosocial factors to be controlled within the workplace. This approach will enable employers to look at achieving the best “fit” between the work, the working environment, and the needs and capabilities of workers.
Common failings in the management of work-related MSDs:
Common failings include:
insufficient risk assessment of work activities
inadequate safe systems of work
mechanical aids not provided or appropriately maintained
lack of suitable training provision
deficient supervision of work activities
Why preventing and managing work-related musculoskeletal disorders is good for business
Risk factors causing work-related MSDs can be found in virtually every workplace.
Preventing and managing discomfort, pain and injury caused by work-related MSDs not only protects the workforce but it makes good business sense, for example:
reduced absenteeism means lower costs of hiring or training replacement staff
not having to deal with the impact of employee ill-health and loss of experienced staff means increased productivity
employers may also benefit from reduced insurance costs where MSDs can be prevented
Key actions to reduce the risk of MSDs in the workplace:
develop a policy on the prevention and management of MSDs in the workplace
thoroughly risk assess work activities and implement suitable safe systems of work
provide sufficient instruction, information and training to workers which is reflective of the tasks
appropriately investigate all incidents and reports of symptoms and/or injury
injury management (worker retention, rehabilitation and return to work)
effective internal auditing
The implementation of policies in relation to manual handling, display screen equipment (DSE) and work activities with increased risk of upper limb disorders (ULDs) should make clear the roles and responsibilities within the organisation.
Whilst some workers may wish to ‘push through’, further investigation and medical treatment should always be considered when a worker is displaying any symptoms and/or signs of injury associated with MSDs. Continuing to work may result in longer-term damage. If you are in any doubt, you should seek medical advice.
It’s also worth remembering that eating a well-balanced diet, and keeping fit and active, will not only prove beneficial to your musculoskeletal system but it is important for your general health and well-being.
Please note that these links are to the original legislation, visitors should verify for themselves whether legislation is in force or whether it has been amended or repealed by subsequent legislation.
