Are musculoskeletal injuries (MSK) a big issue?
In 2018 there were approximately 507,000 (yes, 0.5 Million!) work-related musculoskeletal (MSK) disorder cases.
83% of these were related to the upper limbs, neck or back.
The HSE (UK) estimates that 8.9 Million working days were lost due to these MSK disorders.
Manual handling, awkward or tiring positions and keyboard work or repetitive action are estimated to be the main causes of work-related musculoskeletal disorders.
For in-depth risk evaluation of a process or practice in your workplace, the HSE ART Tool is an excellent starting point. The ART system allows you to assess repetitive tasks in your workplace and the quantify the likelihood of upper limb disorders.
Early detection and treatment can be very effective in helping to prevent or reduce time off work. By encouraging an open reporting culture in your workplace, you can take a step in the right direction.
Learn from an Ergonomics Specialist
We talked to The Travelling Ergonomist about some of the challenges around workplace ergonomics recently, you can listen to what the expert had to say below…
Ergonomics & Musculoskeletal Injury Prevention
- Risk Assessment Examples | Health and Safety - May 6, 2022
- Safety Statement Ireland | HSA Guide - February 11, 2022
- HSE Statistics 2021 | Benchmark Your Business - January 24, 2022
