The risks causing MSDs can be found in virtually every workplace. An estimated 11.6 million working days a year are lost to work-related MSDs. Pain and disorders are caused by the work a person does, in the neck, shoulders, arms (upper limb, back, hips, knees, ankles and feet(lower limb)Prevention methods are cost effective and and can minimise discomfort from suitably managed tasks.
Back pain
Most people have back pain at some time. Usually the pain is not caused by anything serious and it settles within a matter of days or weeks.
For information to help employers, managers and employees prevent and manage the effects of back pain in the workplace view here, Health and Safety Executive website
Upper limb disorders
The term Upper Limb Disorders (ULDs) includes the condition known as "repetitive strain injury" (RSI), these two terms are not interchangeable because RSI does not cover all upper limb disorders. ULD is used as an umbrella term for a range of disorders of the hand, wrist, arm, shoulder and neck. It covers those conditions, with specific medical diagnoses (e.g. frozen shoulder, carpal tunnel syndrome), and other conditions (often called RSI) where there is pain without specific symptoms. Symptoms may include pain, swelling and difficulty moving.
Lower Limb Disorders
Lower Limb Disorder (LLD) is used as an umbrella term for a range of disorders of the hips, legs, knees, ankles and feet. It covers those conditions with specific medical diagnoses (e.g. Osteoarthritis of the knee and hip), and other conditions where there is pain without specific symptoms. Symptoms may include pain, swelling and difficulty moving.
Display Screen Equipment (DSE)
DSE includes all the potential issues that may result from using Display Screen Equipment, which used to be referred to as VDUs (Visual Display Units) and includes use of computer equipment in both the workplace and at home if you are a home-worker. ULDs, headaches and visual problems can all be associated with working at a poorly designed workstations.
Manual handling
Manual handling covers a wide variety of tasks including lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling and carrying injuries can occur almost anywhere, when people are at work or at home, and for many reasons, heavy load, awkward postures. In addition, previous or existing injury can increase the risk.
If any of these tasks are not carried out safely then there is a risk of injury. More than a third of all reported workplace injuries which result in someone being off work for more than 3 days are caused by manual handling.
Early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and suitable return to work plans can help most people recover from their injuries and return to employment. However a few individuals may need to take longer periods off work and possibly even leave work entirely. The injured person may find that their lifestyle, leisure activities, ability to sleep and job prospects are affected.
Work related manual handling injuries can have serious implications for the employer too they may have to bear substantial costs, for example for retraining, wages, overtime and civil liability.
Toolkits
The Health and Safety Executive has developed tools to help employers analyse lifting and moving repetitive tasks like twisting, bending, and repeated movements (and a push pull tool. Depending on the task, you may have to use more than one tool to fully risk assess, for example you may need to pick up a box of items (Lifting), carry it to a workstation (carrying) then distribute it to other locations such as pigeon holes or a filing cabinet (bending, stretching, repetition).