People with MSDs usually recover completely if the problem is recognised early and treated appropriately.
Make sure your workers know how to report any injuries or work-related health problems to you or their health and safety representative. Workers will be more likely to follow procedures they have helped design. Talking to them about how to improve health and safety will also make it easier to agree changes. They know what they find difficult and often know how to improve things. You must consult with your workers or their elected representatives on health and safety issues. vulnerable groups, for example, young people, disabled workers, pregnant workers, those new to the job.individual differences (some workers are more affected by certain risks).a recent or existing injury or health condition may make them more vulnerable.Or they can be to do with the workers themselves:
Stress and other psychosocial factors can contribute to the risk of developing MSDs poor work organisation (including work pressure, job demands and lack of work breaks).poor working environment (including temperature and lighting).Or the risk factors can be to do with the work environment or organisation: driving heavy vehicles, long-distance driving or driving over rough ground.working with hand-held power tools for a long time.repetitive work, particularly using the same hand or arm action.pushing, pulling or dragging heavy loads.There are risk factors causing MSDs in many types of work, so you should think about the risks of various tasks, depending on the work you do: exposure to vibration, for example from driving mobile machinery over rough ground or using powered, hand-held tools.the health risks of working with display screen equipment such as PCs, laptops, tablets and smartphones.If these risks exist, you must consider both the requirements for a general risk assessment and specific assessments of other risks, for example, from: You must manage the risk of MSDs in your workplace. Workers can have different kinds of MSDs at the same time. shoulders, forearms, wrists and hands, as well as the neck.The parts of the body most likely to be affected by MSDs are: cannot prevent all MSDs, so early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and suitable rehabilitation are essential.can do things to prevent or minimise the risk of your workers (and others who may be affected by what they do) developing MSDs.MSDs include injuries and conditions that can affect the back, joints and limbs. Frequency and repetition of movementsĮmployers must protect workers from the risks of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) being caused or made worse by work. Overview - Learning to use the ART tool.