Musculoskeletal Problems

Musculoskeletal disorders include problems such as back pain, neck pain, ULDs (upper limb disorders) and RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)

The facts:

• An estimated 6.6 million working days were lost due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs) in 2017/2018, an average of 14 days lost for each case.
• Manual handling, lifting and carrying and keyboard work are some of the prime causative factors in the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorders particularly the development of back pain.
• WRMSDs accounted for 35% of all new and long-standing cases of work-related ill health in Great Britain in 2017/18.

Solutions
The good news is that there are many things organisations can do to help prevent and minimise musculoskeletal disorders, and to protect their workers. These measures are cost effective and include:

• Encouraging the early reporting of symptoms
• Providing workstation assessments
• Ensuring employees take regular breaks from their computers
• Providing training on good posture and correct workstation usage
• Making services such as massage and pilates classes available, and encouraging employees to take responsibility for their own health through such services
• Arranging treatment and rehabilitation where necessary

Stress Angels recommends the following services to help prevent and treat musculoskeletal problems:

• Yoga & pilates classes
• Seated acupressure massage
• Sports & Remedial massage