MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs) ASSESSMENTS
MUSCULOSKELETAL DISORDERS (MSDs) ASSESSMENTS
Preventing Workplace MSDs
We offer MSD assessments and advice for your specific workplace needs across Northern Ireland.
What Are Work-Related MSDs?
Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries or pain affecting muscles, joints, nerves and tendons. They most commonly affect the limbs, shoulders, neck and back.
MSDs develop when workplace environment or job tasks contribute to the condition. Poor manual handling techniques, repetitive tasks and inadequate workstation design are common causes. These conditions can worsen or persist due to workplace factors.
Manual handling is one of the most significant contributors to MSDs across all industries in Northern Ireland. According to HSENI, manual handling injuries, such as pain in the back, lower and upper limbs, are part of the wider group of musculoskeletal disorders. Work-related MSDs and back injuries from manual handling operations remain a major cause of occupational ill health across Northern Ireland, yet they can often be prevented through proper risk assessment and training.
MSD risk is usually identified during comprehensive Ergonomic Risk Assessments which evaluate workplace hazards and recommend prevention strategies.
The Scale of the Problem
Work-related MSDs represent a substantial burden on UK businesses and workers:
543,000 workers suffered from work-related musculoskeletal disorders (new or long-standing) in 2023/24
168,000 workers suffered from a new case of work-related musculoskeletal disorder in 2023/24
7.8 million working days were lost due to work-related musculoskeletal disorders in 2023/24
Industries with higher-than-average rates include construction, transportation and storage, and admin and support service activities. Back injuries account for 43% of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, whilst upper limb or neck injuries account for 37% and lower limb injuries 20%.
Our Services
Preventing MSDs requires a comprehensive approach that addresses manual handling risks alongside other workplace factors. We provide:
MSD Risk Assessments
Comprehensive workplace ergonomic risk assessments that identify MSD hazards, including manual handling operations, repetitive tasks and workstation design issues.
Manual Handling Training
Practical manual handling training that teaches proper lifting, carrying, pushing and pulling techniques to prevent the back, upper limb and lower limb injuries that comprise the majority of work-related MSDs. Our training addresses the TILE factors (Task, Individual capability, Load, Environment, Other factors) required under the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1992.
Management Presentations and Awareness Sessions
Evidence-based presentations that help leadership teams understand the business case for MSD prevention and the critical role of manual handling controls.
Understanding how these injuries develop and implementing targeted prevention strategies is essential for workplace safety and significantly reduces injury-related costs.
Manual Handling and MSD Prevention
Poor manual handling is a primary cause of work-related MSDs. Factors that increase risk include:
Load weight and awkward shapes
Task frequency and duration
Bodily movements involving bending, twisting or stretching
Repetitive handling operations
Previous or existing injuries
Heavy manual labour, repetitive handling and awkward postures are all risk factors for sustaining or exacerbating MSDs. The good news? These injuries can often be prevented through proper risk assessment, appropriate handling aids and effective training.
Learn more about our manual handling training programmes designed to prevent MSDs in your workplace.
Additional Resources
For detailed statistics, see the Health and Safety Executive resource: Page 5 of 12: Work related musculoskeletal disorder statistics (WRMSDs) in Great Britain, 2023/24
For Northern Ireland-specific guidance on the relationship between manual handling and MSDs, see HSENI's manual handling guidance.
Contact Ergo & Wellbeing to discuss your MSD assessment requirements.