Preventing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace is a truly global challenge. From low back pain to sore joints, MSDs are a considerable cost to the NHS and a drain on the public health system across the world.
Prevention is by far the better option when compared to the rehabilitation costs of bringing people back into work after suffering an MSD.
Organisations understand that MSD prevention is a ‘whole person whole life’ topic, as injuries sustained in the workplace often affect an employee’s life at home, impacting upon the quality of people’s lives – sometimes with devastating effect.
This has led to an emerging theme in the OSH world. By putting people back at the heart of sustainability, organisations have been able to reduce the risk to muscles, bones and joints, decreasing sickness absence and improving workplace productivity.
With this in mind, RoSPA’s 2019 #OSHtober campaign will raise awareness of the dangers associated with moving and handling (specifically around MSDs) with a ‘back’ to basics overview covering best practice, legal compliance and improved health.
Throughout the month we’ll be providing top tips and commentary by key industry experts along with free resources to help spread awareness and best practice. You can get involved too by joining the conversation and using the hashtag #OSHtober to improve your workplace safety and explore our other resources.
Dr Karen McDonnell, CFIOSH, Chartered FCIPD, MRSB, PIEMA, MSP
Head of RoSPA Scotland, RoSPA OHS Policy Adviser