LRD guides and handbook May 2012

Preventing injury at work - a union reps' guide to musculoskeletal disorders

Back pain, RSI and other upper and lower limb disorders, known collectively as muskuloskeletal disorders (MSDs), continue to account for the highest number of injuries reported to the Health and Safety Executive. This booklet gives union reps and workers the information they need to ensure that employers take action to prevent MSDs, as well as how to support workers who may develop MSDs.

Introduction (912 words)

If you ask workers about their chief health concerns at work, back pain and strain and repetitive strain injuries (RSI) are always high on the list. ...
Open access

1. The extent of the problem (1,337 words)

According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), the term musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) covers any injury, damage or disorder of the joints or ...
Subscribers only

2. Employers’ legal duties (3,210 words)

Although there are no specific regulations dealing with musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), existing health and safety law requires employers to ...
Subscribers only

3. Risk assessments (4,872 words)

Although there is no single set of regulations governing musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), risk assessments can be carried out under a number of ...
Subscribers only

4. Preventing musculoskeletal disorders (4,188 words)

Ergonomics is concerned with ensuring that work is designed to take account of people, their capabilities and limitations. ...
Subscribers only

5. Supporting workers with MSDs (3,215 words)

Most of this booklet has looked at what employers should be doing, and how union reps can help, to prevent workers from developing musculoskeletal ...
Subscribers only

Further information (480 words)

RSI Action is the national RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury) charity campaigning for action to prevent RSI and support for those suffering from RSI. ...
Subscribers only