Consider that MSDs can be caused by any or all of the following:
- repetitive and/or heavy lifting;
- bending and twisting or repeating an action too frequently;
- uncomfortable working position;
- exerting too much force;
- working too long without breaks;
- adverse working environment (e.g. hot, cold);
- psychosocial factors (e.g. high job demands, time pressures and lack of control); and
- not receiving and acting upon reports of symptoms quick enough.
HSE's MSD web pages contain details of its MSD programme which focuses on back pain and upper limb disorders (ULDs). See ULDs for more information.
The MSD programme in the website covers:
Back pain
Back pain. Some five million working days are lost each year through back injuries and upper limb disorders that were caused or made worse by work. Typically, each person suffering may take over 18 days off in a 12-month period.
Manual handling
Manual handling injuries can have serious implications for both the employer and the person who has been injured. Employers may have to bear substantial costs, for example for retraining, wages, overtime and civil liability. The injured person may find that their lifestyle, leisure activities, ability to sleep and job prospects are affected.
Manual Handling Regulations
Lifting and handling loads can cause MSDs, such as back pain. Revised Manual Handling guidance was published in March 2004 See L23. The revision brings the advice up to date with improvements in the knowledge of the risks from manual handling and how to avoid them.
Display screen equipment
Working with computer screens and other display screen equipment can lead to upper limb disorders or back pain, as well as stress or visual fatigue.