Case studies

The case studies in this section highlight key factors needed to tackle MSDs and offers controls of MSD risks. The incidence of MSDs can be considerably reduced by interventions incorporating all of the following elements:

• senior management commitment;
• worker involvement;
• risk assessment;
• control measures;
• training; and
• medical management.

Manual Handling

• Motorised tugs reduce manual handling of aircraft steps
• Inspection leads to improvements at department store
• Low cost engineering solutions eliminate poor manual handling practices
• Use of motorised tugs solves push/pull problem
• Specialised barrow increases turnover and reduces manual handling
• Individual personal experience – Manual handling in a care HSE

DSE

• Reducing MSDs in keyboard users

Lifting aids

• Lifting aids eliminate manual handling in a press shop
• Lifting and transport aids eliminate manual handling
• Use of helicopter to reduce manual handling of stones
• A special FLT attachment for moving unusual barrels

Internal systems changes

• In-house physiotherapy saves money and reduces time off work
• Automating the manual packing of boxes
• More efficient handling in cosmetics production
• Better organisation cuts risk in outdoor maintenance work
• Storing heavy loads at waist height
• Simple improvements to make loading easier
• Changing the height of a conveyor belt cuts sickness absence
• Training in work flow analysis reduces risk of back pain
• Reducing risks without compromising safety and security standards

General case studies

Below are some practical examples of how organisations have tackled MSDs in the workplace.

• Work re-organisation – Computer use in news media organisation
• Prevention - Upper limb disorders in a factory environment
• Rehabilitation – Upper limb disorders in an office environment
• Managing Sickness Absence – Musculoskeletal disorders case management
• Functional restoration programme brings staff back to work
• A graded return to work programme

Sector specific case studies

• Air transport
• Food
• Printing
• Textiles

Pushing and pulling

We have provided some case studies below to explain, using practical examples, how others have eliminated or reduced the risk of pushing and pulling in their workplace.

• Case study 1 - rubber manufacturing industry, eliminating manual pushing and pulling
• Case study 2 - health services, equipment fit for purpose
• Case study 3 - printing industry, modifying the task to reduce the risk
• Case study 4 - printing industry, using up to date technology