Musculoskeletal Assessment

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the term used to describe a variety of conditions including back pain, upper limb disorders (including RSI), neck pain and lower limb pain. They continue to be a significant problem for employers and employees alike in both industrial and office workplaces. Therefore assessing the risks of MSDs those employees may be exposed to is an essential aspect of the risk management process. 

We can work with employers to meet their statutory duties:

• Display Screen Equipment (DSE) Assessments): We can complete a full assessment of all employees who are potentially exposed to the risks associated with DSE (computer-based work).
• We can also conduct individual DSE assessments where specific needs are identified.
• Manual Handling Assessment, we can conduct a manual handling assessment focused on a particular job role or work task where an assessment of the risks is required. We can also conduct a manual handling assessment for an individual employee who has specific requirements or vulnerabilities which may increase the risk to their health.
• Help to identify and reduce risks to employee health and safety.
• Work with employers to help them retain workers by reducing risks and recommending intervention.

As an employer, by ensuring that your statutory duties have been met you are ensuring that your employees are protected against any hazards in their work that may expose them to risk of MSDs. Furthermore, you are protecting yourself from legislative action.

Beyond the benefits associated with meeting your statutory duties the following benefits can be expected:

• A reduction in loss of staff who can no longer carry out their jobs
• Mitigating reductions in productivity caused by staff who can’t work at the expected rate without injury

For employees, there are other implications including:

• Inability to continue working in the same job if risks are not managed.
• Having reduced the ability to work.