Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in Great Britain (GB)
Summary
MSDs can affect muscles, joints and tendons in all parts of the body. Most work-related MSDs develop over time and can also result from fractures sustained in an accident.
The latest estimates from the Labour Force Survey show:
- There has been a downward trend in the total number of work-related MSDs over the last 10 years.
- The total number of MSDs in 2010/11 was 508 000 out of a total of 1 152 000 for all work-related illnesses.
- The number of new cases of MSDs in Great Britain in 2010/11 was 158 000, down from 190 000 in 2009/10.
- In the last three years the industries with the highest rates of MSDs were post and courier activities, specialised construction work and agriculture.
- Over the same period postal workers, building trades and skilled agriculture trades had higher rates of MSD compared to the average across all occupations.
Total number of cases (prevalence) and new cases (incidence) of work-related musculoskeletal disorders in GB 2001/02-2010/11
