Musculoskeletal disorders risk reduction through design awards 2026
These awards aim to inspire employers to make changes to work processes that can reduce the risks of musculoskeletal harm to their workers.
They are sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).
What the awards are for
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include injuries and conditions that can affect the back, joints and limbs. The awards are for companies that have made changes to their workplace, task or activities that have resulted in significantly reduced musculoskeletal risk to their employees.
This might include a reduction or elimination of manual lifting or pushing or pulling activities. It could also mean making workplace changes that:
- prevent the need for workers to adopt awkward postures or carry out repetitive tasks
- reduce the forces needed to use equipment
Recognising the work of SMEs
Small to medium enterprises (SMEs) are the fundamental backbone of the UK economy, employing over half of the country’s workforce. They account for over 95% of private sector businesses.
We want to recognise the hard work and dedication of UK SMEs and their approach to risk reduction, and help support other businesses, demonstrating what is possible.
There are therefore 2 categories for the awards:
- MSD risk reduction through design award
- Small to medium enterprise (SME) recognition award
Announcement of the 2026 winners
An independent judging panel considered shortlisted nominations and selected an overall winner in both categories.
HSE are using the winning entries as case studies which we are sharing as practical examples for other employers to understand how they can reduce risk in their workplaces.
The winners were announced at the CIEHF awards event on 28 April 2026.
2026 Winner – MSD risk reduction through design award: MP Coleman Ltd
MP Coleman Ltd
MP Coleman Ltd received this award for their commitment to eliminating MSD risk to workers carrying out a repetitive manual palletising and wrapping process. Through strong employee engagement and collaborative design, the company installed a robotic arm palletiser and automatic wrapping machine. This eliminated all manual lifting, twisting, and cumulative MSD risk from the task. The redesign delivered measurable improvements in worker wellbeing, productivity and job satisfaction, creating a healthier and more efficient workplace.
2026 Winner – Small to medium enterprise (SME) recognition award: Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Thames Valley Air Ambulance
Thames Valley Air Ambulance gained this recognition after designing shelving and a trolley for storing and transporting heavy manikins which was a 2-person handling task. Through strong collaboration with equipment manufacturers, health and safety specialists and workers, they designed bespoke, innovative roller-shelving storage and a height-adjustable roller trolley to significantly reduce MSD risk. The manikins are now rolled from the shelving onto the trolley and wheeled to point of use and vice versa. The design of the roller shelving and trolley has created a simple, one-person handling activity.