Insert name of presentation on Master Slide A Guide to Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work Workplace Health Team

Musculoskeletal Disorders – The Facts Facts 7.6 Million working days lost per year Average absence period of 15 days for MSDs Approximately 40% of disorders affect the back and 40% affect upper limbs Over 45s at greatest risk of suffering from MSDs Facts Upper limb disorders affect fingers, hands, wrists, arms & neck Lower limb disorders affect knees, hips and legs Highest rates in agricultural, construction, and postal/courier activities Musculoskeletal Disorders

What are Musculoskeletal Disorders? Back Pain Acute back pain Long-term back pain Upper Limb Disorders Repetitive Strain Injuries Frozen shoulder Carpal Tunnel Syndrome Lower Limb Disorders Osteoarthritis Knee bursitis (Coal miners / housemaids knee) Ligament tear damage Stress fractures Musculoskeletal Disorders

Back pain – symptoms & causes Symptoms Pain in lower back Stiffness Difficultly moving Causes Lifting heavy/bulky loads Carrying loads awkwardly Repetitive tasks Stooping, bending & crouching Poor posture (workstations, driving) Pushing, pulling, levering heavy loads Working beyond physical capabilities Working when physically tired Stretching, twisting, over-reaching Prolonged periods in one position MSDs - Back pain

Upper Limb disorders – symptoms & causes Symptoms Tenderness of joints Aches & pains Swelling Difficultly moving Stiffness of joints Loss of grip Weakness Tingling/numbness Causes Associated with prolonged use of workstations and vibrating equipment Repetitive work Prolonged uncomfortable posture Carrying out tasks over long periods of time Inadequate workplace environment e.g. Cramped workstation, too cold/damp etc. MSDs – Upper limb disorders

Lower limb disorders – symptoms & causes Symptoms Aches and pains in joints from hips, legs and toes Restricted joint movement Causes Repetitive kneeling and/or squatting Fixed postures e.g. Standing for more than 2 hours without a break Impact from frequent jumping from height MSDs – Lower limb disorders

How can you help? Is the activity necessary? What further controls/equipment can be provided? Consider the Task, Individual, Load, Environment (TILE) Provide adequate instruction, training & supervision Manual Handling Risk Assessment Display Screen Equipment assessment – can be effective as a risk assessment, training and awareness raising tool Ergonomics assessment of work environment Workstation Assessment Regular monitoring through health questionnaires to identify progressive symptoms Involve workforce in development and implementation to reduce resistance Adapt working practices based on results Health Monitoring/Surveillance Combating MSDs

Management of MSDs Key Action Steps Recognise importance of assessing risks of MSDs to ensure positive health and safety measures Ensure risk assessments are regularly reviewed and updated Consider if staff undertaking repetitive tasks, including the use of machinery Advise employees to avoid lifting & carrying wherever possible – provide training on good posture and knee bending to avoid straining backs Consider if workstations are laid-out correctly – make employees aware of need to avoid sitting for long periods, slouching over the computer, or cradling telephone receiver between their neck/shoulder Encourage staff to keep fit and tone up with regular exercise targeting back and stomach muscles Talk to your staff and safety reps to find out how they would improve health and safety in the workplace – this should make introducing changes easier as employees are more likely to follow procedures they have helped to develop Seek occupational health advice if you think MSDs may be affecting your staff Key action steps

Helpful Links, Tools & Resources HSE: MSDs Access to information and advice across MSD topics HSE Display Screen Equipment Case Studies Providing example of solutions related to DSE use DSE Workstation Checklist Practical checklist to help conduct workstation assessments Welsh Backs Information on back pain and back care MSD Case studies – key factors & controls in the management of MSDs Identifying key factors and solutions/business benefits to managing MSDs Tools, resources & links