Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries at Work

This informal CPD article ‘Preventing Musculoskeletal Injuries at Work’ was provided by SafeSmart, leaders in providing Health, Safety and Fire Safety Software and Services.

Introduction

The government recently released the latest annual health and safety statistics for 2023/24 (1), showing a mixed bag of improvements such as stress, depression and anxiety cases being down 14% since last year, and some worrying negative trends – workplace injuries increased for the fourth straight year.

Although the total amount of people getting injured at work remains worryingly high, the rate of workplace injuries has fallen from 3.5% 20 years ago to 1.9% this year. Workplace deaths have also fallen, with three of the lowest annual numbers on record occurring during the last 5 years.

However, amidst the positive news from the latest HSE stats is a worrying development: Musculoskeletal disorders have increased significantly, with 67,000 more cases recorded than last year – a 14% increase (2). Almost 2 in every 100 workers suffered from a musculoskeletal disorder last year, which is its highest rate in almost 10 years.

It is clearly vital that all employers understand what musculoskeletal disorders are, how they are caused, and how they can be prevented.

What are Musculoskeletal Disorders?

Musculoskeletal disorders are injuries and conditions that affect the muscles, joints, bones, nerves, tendons and other tissues in the body. These can range from minor injuries to more long-term conditions.

Musculoskeletal injuries are often caused by repetitive strain or poor ergonomics. They can lead to significant discomfort and decreased productivity in the workplace and everyday life.

Conduct Ergonomic Assessments

As the employer, you should start by conducting ergonomic assessments of all workstations. This involves evaluating the setup of desks, chairs, and computer equipment to ensure they promote good posture and minimise strain. A Display Screen Equipment (DSE) assessment might also be necessary if the employee uses a computer or laptop for most of their work.

Following the assessments, adjustments might include raising monitors to eye level, providing adjustable chairs, and ensuring that keyboards and mice are within comfortable, easy reach. Also recognise that each employee is unique and may require customised adjustments to their workstation.

If possible, you should also provide assistive devices to help employees perform tasks safely. This might include ergonomic keyboards and mice, standing desks, or tools designed to reduce repetitive strain. Make sure that these devices are readily available and that employees are trained on how to use them properly.

Provide Proper Training

As the main injury prevention measure, you must ensure that employees receive proper and ongoing training on safe work practices. This includes ergonomics, DSE, correct lifting techniques, posture correction, and the importance of taking breaks. Training shouldn’t be generic but should be tailored to the specific tasks and risks associated with each job role.

For example, for jobs that involve heavy lifting, you should train employees on how to lift objects safely, emphasising the importance of using their legs rather than their back to avoid strain. You should also implement safe lifting practices and provide appropriate equipment such as lifting straps, trolleys, or hoists.

Encourage Regular Breaks

It is well known that regular breaks are very important to mental wellbeing, and you should also encourage employees to take them to stretch and move around. Prolonged periods of sitting or repetitive tasks can lead to strain and discomfort. Therefore, implementing short, frequent breaks can help reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and improve overall wellbeing.

Promote Physical Wellbeing

Stronger muscles and joints are less susceptible to injury; therefore, you should encourage employees to maintain a high level of physical fitness if possible. Employees should also be encouraged to report any physical discomfort or pain early, because addressing issues promptly can potentially prevent minor discomfort from developing into more serious injuries or disorders.

Create and foster a supportive environment where employees feel comfortable speaking up about their concerns.

Review and Update Policies Regularly

Finally, you should regularly review and update your workplace policies related to musculoskeletal injury prevention. Make sure that you stay informed about the latest ergonomic research and best practices, and make sure that your workplace policies reflect up-to-date knowledge and current standards.

Conclusion

By applying these proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the risk of musculoskeletal injuries and disorders in your workplace. Prioritising ergonomic practices, providing job-specific training, promoting physical wellbeing, and fostering a culture of safety not only protects employees’ health but also enhances productivity and job satisfaction.

We hope this article was helpful. For more information from SafeSmart, please visit their CPD Member Directory page. Alternatively, you can go to the CPD Industry Hubs for more articles, courses and events relevant to your Continuing Professional Development requirements.

References

(1)    http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/

(2)    https://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/tables/index.htm