Musculoskeletal disorders in residential care homes

Aim

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are problems affecting the muscles, tendons and ligaments, nerves or other soft tissues and joints. Whilst MSDs can happen inside or outside the work environment they are often made worse by work activities. Our aim is to raise awareness of MSDs, to encourage reasonably practicable control measures and take enforcement action as appropriate.

Justification

15% (241) of major injuries and 51% (5,426 of 10,550) of over three day injuries in the Health services are due to handling, lifting or carrying. 13% (98) of major injuries and 38% of over three day injuries in the Social Care sector are due to handling, lifting or carrying. If MSDs at work are to be reduced and targets met, making improvements in these industries is key.

Audience/Industry

MSDs, including upper limb disorders, are ubiquitous in nature, occurring across all health and care sectors. The moving and handling of patients while caring for them is a major cause of these injuries but it is not the only cause. Ancillary staff and cleaners can also suffer manual handling injuries.

Messages

MSDs can be very debilitating for those who suffer them. However, tackling them is often straightforward and can bring huge benefits for those affected. You cannot prevent all MSDs so early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and suitable rehabilitation is essential.

Activities required

• Raise awareness of the risks, and appropriate control measures.
• The first step in managing manual handling risk is to carry out a risk assessment of manual handling tasks. The risk assessment should start by considering whether or not the load has to be moved at all.
• If it does have to be moved then can it be moved mechanically, for example by using a handling aid such as an electric or hand powered hoist?
• If manual lifting is the only option there are a number of things that can be done to reduce the risk including reducing carrying distances, reducing twisting movements, reducing lifting things from floor level or above shoulder height.
• Take enforcement action where appropriate (see topic inspection pack for guidance on enforcement and enforcement notice templates).

Timing

MSDs throughout 2008/09 as part of normal inspection regime.

Contact

msdpp@hse.gsi.gov.uk

For information

Detailed guidance on inspections:

• MSD topic inspection pack [510KB]

Further information can be found on the HSE website:

• www.hse.gov.uk/msd