Muscluloskeletal Disorders in the Workplace: 2024 report

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are, without fail, one of the leading causes of work-related ill health every single year. These injuries and conditions affect muscles, joints, tendons, and other connective tissues, and their impact on both individual workers and the broader economy is profound.

You’ve more than likely suffered a musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) in your lifetime, characterised by pain and impacted movement, mobility, strength, and function. Not to worry you, but 80% of the world’s population will experience a bout of lower back pain in their lives. Until this year, lower back pain was the leading cause of disability worldwide for several years, with over 600 million people affected globally. This number is expected to rise to over 800 million in the next 20 years.

The Impact of MSDs on the UK Labour Market

Here are some key statistics that illustrate the significant toll MSDs take on the UK labour market and economy:

• 6.6 million working days were lost due to MSDs in the year 2022/23.
• There were 132,000 new cases of MSDs reported in the past year.
• 473,000 workers are currently suffering from work-related MSDs.
• The average duration of absence per case is 14 days.
• Workers experiencing chronic pain from MSDs experience a 15% loss in productivity, equating to approximately 5.5 hours per week.
• MSDs account for 20% of all workplace absences.

These figures, sourced from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), highlight the urgent need for effective strategies to combat the prevalence of MSDs in the workplace.

The Path to Reduction: A Proactive Approach

The good news is that the number of MSD cases can be significantly reduced through straightforward, proactive measures. Here’s how:

1. Clear Risk Assessments: Conducting thorough risk assessments is the first step in identifying potential hazards that could lead to MSDs. This involves evaluating workstations, tools, and work processes to ensure they are ergonomically sound and do not pose a risk to employees.
2. Data-Driven Preventative Processes: Utilising data to inform preventative measures can drastically reduce the incidence of MSDs. This includes analysing trends in workplace injuries, monitoring employee feedback, and staying updated with the latest ergonomic research to implement evidence-based interventions.
3. Established Systems for Reporting and Early Intervention: Encouraging a culture of prompt reporting and having clear systems in place for early intervention can prevent minor issues from developing into chronic conditions. Employees should feel comfortable reporting discomfort or early symptoms without fear of stigma or repercussions, and employers should respond swiftly with appropriate medical support and workplace adjustments from registered Physiotherapists and Occupational Health Professionals.

The Benefits of Addressing MSDs

Investing in the prevention and management of MSDs yields substantial benefits for organisations:

• Reduced Absence: By mitigating the risk factors associated with MSDs, companies can significantly reduce the number of days lost to these conditions.
• Enhanced Productivity: Addressing the root causes of MSDs and supporting affected workers leads to higher productivity levels. Employees are able to work more efficiently and with less pain, directly contributing to the bottom line.
• Cost Savings: Effective management of MSDs translates to financial savings. This includes reduced costs related to absenteeism, lower workers’ compensation claims, and decreased need for medical interventions.

One of our clients saved multi 6-figures, simply by having managers trained on management of ill-health in the workplace, having early reporting systems and fast intervention pathways that we helped them implement and a supportive culture, where staff felt comfortable to discuss their MSD’s with their manager, where they were confident they would receive expert support.

Two physio sessions later with two employees assessed, rehab plan created, initial treatment and adjustments made led to one return to work 4 weeks ahead of schedule, and another staff member integral to a huge project not having to take any time off through his MSD, meaning that the contract was completed on time to high quality, saving the company multi 6 figures of late fines and avoiding a disastrous reputational hit.

Supercharging Productivity and Savings

Organisations that take MSDs seriously not only foster a healthier workforce but also create a more productive and cost-efficient working environment. The emphasis should be on proactive measures, such as comprehensive risk assessments, data-driven prevention strategies, and robust reporting systems.

These steps ensure that potential issues are identified and addressed before they escalate, safeguarding employee well-being and boosting overall productivity.

There is definitely also a responsibility of staff to maintain their health with healthy active lifestyles, reducing cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption, with a healthy balanced diet. The best preventative approaches to physical ill-health that we know of.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace is not just a health and safety imperative but also a strategic business decision. By prioritising the prevention and early intervention of MSDs, companies can make significant strides in enhancing worker health, improving productivity, and achieving substantial cost savings. It’s time to get serious about MSDs and unlock the full potential of our workforce.

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