Musculoskeletal disorders risk reduction through design award 2025
This award aims to inspire employers to make changes to work processes that can reduce the risks of musculoskeletal harm to their workers.
It is open to all UK employers, whether large or small. It is sponsored by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and the Chartered Institute of Ergonomics and Human Factors (CIEHF).
What the award is for
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include injuries and conditions that can affect the back, joints and limbs. The award is for companies that have made changes to their workplace, task or activities that have resulted in significantly reduced musculoskeletal risk to their workers.
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 2025 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 29 April 2025.
2025 Winner – MSD risk reduction through design award: Ainscough Crane Hire
Ainscough Crane Hire
Plant fitters had to manually handle heavy brake and wheel hub assemblies for inspection and maintenance tasks on cranes. Workers removed the components, weighing up to 52kg, and carried the running gear to a work bench for maintenance before fitting it back onto the crane. This often involved 2 workers supporting the load’s weight while working with a bent torso and restricted posture beneath the crane wheel arch, increasing the risk of manual handling injury.
Maintenance and engineering colleagues collaborated to design a tool set that would fit a standard floor crane to support the weight of the components as they were being removed or fitted. After positive worker feedback from extensive UK trials of the crane and tool set the prototype was delivered to all depots.
The tool and crane set now eliminates the need to manually handle the heavy components while adopting awkward postures when removing or fitting the components to the crane. It is also used to transfer heavy components around the workshop, eliminating the need to lift or carry them.
2025 Winner – Small to medium enterprise (SME) recognition award: UPM Raflatac Ltd
UPM Raflatac Ltd
A worker proposed a ‘trolley’ solution to significantly reduce the manual stacking of reels of laminate paper, weighing between 20-90kg. Due to the stacking height, some workers found this activity physically difficult so the in-house production team and engineering department built a prototype of the worker’s solution out of pallet and plywood.
This was extensively tested, with feedback from the workers across all shifts. The employee engagement ensured the design worked successfully. Workers now roll the reels onto a trolley, and a fork-lift truck moves the reels to a device which automatically upends and stacks the reels, significantly reducing manual handling risk.