Preventing musculoskeletal disorders MSDs The most common work

Preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) Ø The most common work related health problem in Europe Ø The EU’s Lisbon strategy objectives demand the creation of good quality jobs in Europe

MSDs cause ill health (I) Ø Across Europe, a quarter of workers report suffering from backache; a similar proportion complain of muscular pains. In the new Member States, the figure is almost 40% Ø Agriculture and construction workers report most musculoskeletal complaints, however all sectors are concerned

MSDs cause ill health (II) Ø Two thirds of workers are exposed a quarter of the time or more to repetitive hand arm movements Ø A half work in painful or tiring positions Ø A third carry or move heavy loads

MSDs cost money Ø Business loses productivity Ø Higher medical and social costs for government back pain costs the UK health service £ 5 billion a year Ø Individuals and families suffer too!

What are MSDs? Ø Impairments of the bodily structures such as muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves or localised blood circulation systems Ø They mainly affect the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs, but also lower limbs

What causes work – related MSDs? Ø Working and the effects of the immediate working environment Ø Most are cumulative disorders, developed over a long period of time Ø They can also be acute traumas, such as a fracture caused by an accident

Risk factors - working alone or in combination Ø Physical force, repetitive movements, vibration, awkward postures Ø Organisational low autonomy/job satisfaction, repetitive work at a high pace Ø Individual medical history, physical capacity, age, gender

Work-related neck and upper limb disorders - WRULDs Ø MSDs that affect the upper body Ø Sometimes known as “repetitive strain injuries” Ø Symptoms include pain, numbness, tingling sensations, swelling in the joints, decreased mobility or grip strength

Lighten the Load Ø A European campaign to tackle MSDs in the workplace Ø Builds on the 2000 European campaign Ø Backed by the EU Presidencies of Germany and Portugal, European Parliament, European Commission and European social partners Ø Culminates in the European Week of Safety and Health at Work from 22 to 26 October 2007

Lighten the Load - aims Ø Promotes an integrated management approach with three elements: o employers, employees and government working together o addressing the “whole load on the body” o managing the retention, rehabilitation and return to work of those with MSDs

Lighten the Load - the “whole load on the body” Ø Covers all the strains being put on the body, as well as the load being carried Ø Assess the full range of MSD risks and address them comprehensively

We all share responsibility for tackling MSDs Ø They are a problem for: o employers o workers and their safety representatives o government o health and safety institutions o policy makers

Employers’ responsibilities Ø Legally required to assess workplace risks and act to ensure the safety and health of workers Ø MSDs are preventable if the right action is taken

Employers’ actions Ø Modify tasks to eliminate or reduce risk Ø Provide user friendly machines and equipment Ø Promote retention, reintegration and rehabilitation of workers with MSDs Ø Offer training and information

Employee responsibilities (I) Ø Safety isn’t all down to your employer Ø You also have a responsibility to co operate with your employer to protect yourself and your colleagues

Employee responsibilities (II) Ø Be aware of MSD risks and their impact on your health Ø Know how to avoid or lessen the risks Ø Become informed and join in with workplace health and safety activities

Lighten the Load — good practice awards Ø Recognise companies and organisations that have made outstanding and innovative contributions tackling MSDs Ø Winners announced at the MSD Summit in March 2008

Where to find out more Ø There is more help and advice on how to stay safe and healthy at work on the Lighten the Load website http: //ew 2007. osha. europa. eu Ø And the MSDs Single Entry Point http: //osha. europa. eu/topics/msds

Taking part in Lighten the Load Ø Resources on the website http: //ew 2007. osha. europa. eu o multilingual information packs o fact sheets, leaflets, posters and stickers o activities and events Ø Get involved - support Lighten the Load!