Musculoskeletal disorders in wholesale and warehousing

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

18% of major injuries and 47% of over three day injuries in the Road Haulage, Storage and Warehousing 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 (ULDs), are ubiquitous in nature, occurring across all sectors of wholesale and warehousing. Employees most at risk are those involved in order picking and manual unloading. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other jobs that carry a risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders.

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.
• Use Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) or ULD checklists where appropriate to determine level of risk.
• Think about all systems of work and tasks that involve manual handling. Employers can reduce the risk of MSDs by considering the redesign of tasks to avoid the need to move loads manually, or use mechanical handling devices, eg lift trucks, pallet trucks, trolleys, conveyors, chutes, scissor lifts etc. Where necessary, introduce additional mechanical handling devices to avoid or reduce manual handling operations.
• 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