Work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorders are a prevalent issue in the workplace, affecting a significant number of workers in Britain. According to the Health and Safety Executive’s report for 2022/23, 473,000 workers suffer from MSK symptoms, representing an increase of 3,000 from the previous reporting period. These symptoms are often caused by work-related injuries such as incorrect handling or inadequate equipment in the workplace. With the recent rise in remote work, unsuitable home office setups have also become a major contributor to the issue.
MSK disorders encompass a range of conditions, including back pain, neck or arm strains, and joint diseases. They can affect all parts of the workforce and are one of the leading causes of sickness absence in the NHS. To address this issue, prevention and early intervention strategies are crucial for organizations to implement.
Preventing work-related injuries and long-term absences should be a top priority for employers. One effective approach is to establish a robust MSK policy to support staff dealing with these conditions. Some key ways to prevent work-related injuries include regularly monitoring accident books and sickness absence records to identify trends and hotspots, pinpointing the root causes of these trends, and personalizing interventions based on the nature of the working environment.
It is essential to conduct regular risk assessments, provide information and advice on work-related injuries, offer work-station assessments for employees (including those working from home), and promote the importance of regular movement and exercise to prevent MSK disorders. Additionally, vulnerable staff members, such as those returning from maternity leave or with underlying health conditions, should have priority access to risk assessments and treatment.
Upskilling staff and managers on how to prevent injuries and recognize symptoms of MSK disorders is crucial. Research shows that certain healthcare roles, like nursing, involve tasks that can lead to disabling MSK injuries. Managers may struggle to support colleagues with MSK symptoms, highlighting the need for organizational changes to enable supportive management.
NHS organizations have taken proactive steps to address MSK issues among their staff. For example, the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital NHS Trust has implemented communication strategies to educate staff on ergonomics and home office setups. The Royal United Hospital Bath NHS Foundation Trust offers wellbeing drop-in sessions for high-risk staff, while Epsom and St Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust has introduced fast-track programs for staff with musculoskeletal health issues.
Employers can access further resources to support musculoskeletal health in the workplace, such as guidance from the Staff Council’s Health, Safety, and Wellbeing Group, joint pain advice from the Local Government Association, and toolkits from organizations like the Society of Occupational Medicine and Business in the Community. By prioritizing musculoskeletal health and implementing preventive measures, organizations can create a safer and healthier work environment for their employees.