Good musculoskeletal (MSK) health is integral to a full working life. Here are some useful resources:
- For employers - a toolkit for employers on MSK issues here, a 'Be MSK Aware' flyer here, and the HSE has useful resources here. See HSE's online digital MSD Online Assessment Tool - useful to employers who have a legal duty to perform risk assessments - here. Do also have a look at An employer's guide to rheumatoid arthritis and I want to work.
- For employees - an introduction to Ergonomics - Working better together. Slide deck here. This training introduces you to Ergonomics and how it can keep you and your team well at work. You will learn: (1) What is Ergonomics? (2) What are the Ergonomic risk factors in the workplace? (3) Why we need Ergonomics (4) Who is responsible for Ergonomics?
- For Young People - This MSK Health Toolkit for employers and further education institutions from SOM, the British Society for Rheumatology and the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities was launched in October 2022. Also see this Workplace Health Guide - Tips by Young People.
- For those in health care - click here to view a presentation on OH physiotherapy for NHS staff from Sherwood Forest Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and here for a briefing pack for managers from Leeds and York Partnership NHS Trust. The SOM and the Association of Anaesthetists have produced guidelines on Better musculoskeletal health for anaesthetists - these can be downloaded here.
- For working at home - click here to read a blog by Bespoke Wellbeing: Managing MSK when working from home.
A further brief on MSK at work is below.
The MSK at Work Network
Established in 2019, and hosted by SOM, it aims to keep workers healthy via advocacy to:
- Policy makers (e.g. to mandate MSK at work strategies to support employees);
- Employers (e.g. to put in place MSK at work action linked with general work and health activities for employees);
- Health professionals (e.g. to ensure MSK at work is part of practice with patients) and
- Academics (e.g. to communicate MSK at work research and identify gaps).
Members of the Network include representatives from Charities (such as Versus Arthritis and NRAS), professional bodies and networks (such as the Council for Work and Health, the Health and Safety Executive, Chartered Society of Physiotherapy, and the Arthritis and Musculoskeletal Alliance), organisations such as The Work Foundation, Occupational Health companies and practitioners, the Institute of Occupational Medicine and Universities (including Cardiff, Coventry, Manchester and Southampton).
In 2024, there was a debate on MSK at work and an article published in parliament news on the issue.
If you would like to attend or join the Network or would like further details including minutes of previous meetings, please contact the SOM.
MSK at work brief
Musculoskeletal (MSK) health is integral to work at all ages. Functional mobility and dexterity, balance and co-ordination, muscular strength and endurance is essential to nearly all forms of work. MSK health enables us to stay physically and mentally fit and reduce the occurrence of other health problems. Poor MSK health affects all industries and business sectors, from construction to banking. MSK conditions can reduce productivity, be it in work (presenteeism) or due to sick leave (absenteeism); or to leave the workplace prematurely (work disabled). Back, neck, muscle and joint conditions are common reasons why employees need time off work or are unable to fulfil their duties to the best of their abilities.
MSK conditions can become more common as people age, when many will face several other health problems. The impact of MSK problems on work is predicted to increase and will be a challenge with people working into older ages.
Often MSK health becomes aggravated because an employee feels unable to discuss it openly with a line manager. Many suffer without complaining as their job depends on being physically capable. MSK conditions and mental health problems are the greatest causes of work loss and are often interrelated. Chronic, disabling pain and ongoing MSK problems can be associated with depression and/or stress, leading to increased absence from work. Around three in 10 people of working age who have a MSK condition also have depression. People with a mental health problem alongside a musculoskeletal condition are less likely to be in work.
The Health & Safety Executive state that 473,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal risk in 2022/23, with an associated 6.6 million working days lost. MSK conditions are the second most common cause of sickness absence, accounting for over 28 million days lost in work (22.4% of total sickness absence), surpassed only by absence due to minor illness such as cough and colds. Small and medium sized enterprises can be disproportionately affected through the loss of key staff for any period of time.
For most people being in ‘good work’ - having a secure job with good working conditions - is good for personal health, organisational productivity and economic prosperity. Having a job can also boost self-esteem. Through Occupational Health, employers and employees have a critical role in how the workplace can promote health and wellbeing. Occupational Health can also assist in preventing MSK ill health, through adapting physical environments and work practices, as well as early interventions to identify and address problems.