Workplace Ergonomics
Musculoskeletal Disorders
Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) which include Upper Limb Disorders (ULD) are one of the leading causes of work related ill health in Great Britain and are a priority for action ‘Securing Health Together’ –The Health & Safety Commission (HSC) strategy for tackling these problems.
Government departments, in co-operation with employers, employees, trade union employers’ organisations, health professionals and voluntary groups have set several challenging targets as part of this initiative to be achieved by 2010.
The target is a 20% reduction in the incidence of work related ill health caused by MSD and a further 30% reduction in the number of working days lost due to MSD.
This priority programme aims to improve compliance with the law and to promote continuous improvement. Working days lost as a result of MSD clearly represents a heavy cost in terms of individual suffering, loss or earnings, and in some cases, loss of ability to work.
The cost to the employer includes sickness absence, reduced productivity, staff replacement and training, and the costs of meeting compensation claims.
The Health & Safety Commission states the management framework HSG 60 (revised) promotes an active management approach for tackling MSD and ULD in the workplace and MOHS can assist in a pro-active approach to these issues.
We can help you to implement and support a system for early reporting for MSD and ULD and to see employees who are returning to work after an episode of ULD. All of our involvement is supported by education of your workforce to aid prevention and to reinforce safe working practices and control measures.