OCC/Physical Health/TBT-OCC-011

Musculoskeletal Disorders

Occupational Health › Physical Health › Musculoskeletal Disorders

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Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) affect muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, and nerves in the body.
Construction workers are among the most affected occupational groups due to heavy, repetitive, physical work.
Common MSDs include lower back pain, shoulder injuries, knee damage, carpal tunnel syndrome, and tendonitis.
MSDs develop gradually from repeated strain, awkward postures, vibration, and heavy manual handling over time.
Lower back pain alone accounts for more working days lost in construction than any other single condition.
Early symptoms include aching, stiffness, tingling, numbness, and reduced grip strength or range of motion.
Risk factors include heavy lifting, repetitive movements, sustained awkward postures, and whole body vibration.
The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992 require employers to reduce MSD risks where reasonably practicable.
Mechanical aids, task rotation, ergonomic tools, and proper technique all reduce MSD development risk.
Reporting early symptoms allows intervention before the condition becomes chronic and career-ending.

Career-ending injuries	Severe MSDs force experienced construction workers to leave the industry permanently, ending their livelihoods.
Massive lost time	MSDs account for more working days lost in the UK than any other type of occupational ill health.
Preventable condition	Most MSDs are preventable through mechanical aids, job rotation, and reducing exposure to the known risk factors.

Don't

Use mechanical aids for heavy or repetitive lifting tasks wherever available.
Rotate tasks throughout the day to avoid sustained repetitive strain on one area.
Warm up muscles before starting physically demanding work each morning.
Report early symptoms of aching, stiffness, or numbness to your supervisor.
Use ergonomic tools designed to reduce strain on hands, wrists, and shoulders.
Maintain good posture and avoid working in awkward positions for prolonged periods.
Take regular short breaks during repetitive or physically demanding tasks.
Attend health surveillance and occupational health assessments when offered.
Stretch regularly during the day, especially after repetitive or static tasks.
Follow correct lifting technique: bend your knees, keep the load close.

DON'T ignore early symptoms of pain, stiffness, or numbness; report them promptly.
DON'T carry out heavy manual lifting when mechanical aids are available on site.
DON'T work in the same awkward posture for extended periods without a break.
DON'T twist your body while lifting; move your feet to change direction instead.
DON'T assume aches and pains are just part of the job; they signal damage.
DON'T skip warm-up stretches before starting physically demanding tasks.
DON'T carry loads that are too heavy for one person; ask for help.
DON'T refuse task rotation when offered; it protects your body from repeat strain.
DON'T use worn or vibrating tools that increase strain on hands and arms.
DON'T delay seeking medical advice for persistent pain or reduced movement.

See also: Manual Handling Awareness | Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)

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