Aches, pains, strains and stress
Have you ever thought about the impact that serious aches, pains and strains have on mental health?
The majority of work-related ill health is due to stress, depression, anxiety and musculoskeletal disorders. Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) include injuries and conditions that can affect the back, joints and limbs.
Factors like work pressure, job demands and lack of work breaks can contribute to the risk of developing issues both mentally and physically.
Whether work is causing the health issue or aggravating it, employers have a legal responsibility to help their workers.
Make it routine to check in on how people are feeling and coping at work
Improve productivity, reduce sickness absence and help retain valued workers by getting proactive on supporting health at work.
Matt Birtles, Principal Ergonomics at HSE, says that people with musculoskeletal problems: “can struggle to sit down and stand up, to keep still and move around. The most intimate parts of their lives can be severely affected. They can struggle to get themselves dressed and undressed, they can be unable to pick up their children or grandchildren. This can lead to isolation and a considerable amount of concern.”
Talk to your workers and colleagues to find out if this is an issue for them. It could be due to manual handling, their workstation set up, or long hours at a computer.
The earlier an issue is recognised, the sooner action can be taken to reduce or remove it.
Mental Health Awareness Week is 12 May
Use the week to raise awareness of HSE’s Working Minds campaign and implement the 5Rs to support good mental health:
- Reach out and have conversations
- Recognise the signs and causes of stress
- Respond to any risks identified by agreeing action points
- Reflect on the actions taken – have things improved?
- Make it Routine to check back in on how things are going.
Helpful links
Learn more about the Working Minds campaign and resources available including free online learning, templates and downloads.
Find out more about measures you can put in place to help address the causes and keep people well.
Watch a video clip from George Mosey, Head of Health and Safety, Europe for Laing O’Rourke about reducing the toll on human bodies and mental health.
Read more about two forward-thinking companies have been recognised for their practical solutions to tackle musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace.
