Preventing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) at Work: A Practical Approach for Employers
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most common causes of work-related ill health in the UK. Whether it’s repetitive motion, poor posture, or manual handling, these injuries can affect employees across every sector.
Why Taking Action Matters
MSDs can lead to long-term pain, absenteeism, and reduced productivity—not to mention increased costs for your business. The good news? Most of them are preventable with a proactive approach.
Practical Steps for Prevention
You don’t need to overhaul your entire operation to make a difference. Some simple steps include:
- Designing tasks and workstations around the worker
- Rotating repetitive tasks and allowing microbreaks
- Training staff in safe handling techniques
- Encouraging early reporting of aches and pains
- Involving your team in identifying and solving issues
Need Help Getting Started?
If you want a little more structure, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) offers a range of free assessment tools—including MAC (manual handling), ART (repetitive tasks), and RAPP (pushing and pulling). These templates can help guide your internal risk assessments and decision-making.
? Explore HSE’s MSD Tools
We’re Here to Support You
If you’re unsure where to begin or want support tailored to your workplace, get in touch with the Safety Scotland team. We’re here to help you build a safer, healthier working environment.
? Contact us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.