Musculoskeletal Problems

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

The facts

• New figures from the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) show that the number of workers with RSI has increased by 52,000 over the past 3 years
• Some 4.7 million working days were lost in 2003/4 to RSI, with each worker taking an average of 18 days off sick with the injury
• According to the Health & Safety Executive musculoskeletal disorders are the most common occupational illness in Great Britain, affecting 1.1 million people a year
• Back problems are the most common form of ill health at work

Pain and discomfort caused by back pain or upper limb disorders can lead to low morale and motivation, poor work quality, and to more sick days. According to CSP spokeswoman Jacqui Smith “employers can make a big difference to the health of their workers, while at the same time improving the productivity and profits of their business”.

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:

• Back care/posture workshops
• Desk based exercises and stretches
• Workstation assessments
• Yoga & pilates classes
• On-site acupressure massage