Describe potential injuries to the worker from failing to follow approved techniques
The
Health and Safety Executive’s most recent report states:
The
majority of working days lost due to work-related ill health were due to
either:
·
Stress, depression or anxiety, or
·
Musculoskeletal disorders
The
report says:
·
6.6 million working days were lost during
2017/18 due to musculoskeletal disorders.
·
On average, each person suffering from a
musculoskeletal disorder took 14 days off.
This means muscoskeletal disorders rank 2nd highest
in the most common problems people experience at work. Manual
handling, awkward or tiring postures or keyboard work, and repetitive actions
are estimated to be the main causes of work-related musculoskeletal
disorders
– Health
and Safety Executive
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries or
pain in the human musculoskeletal system.
This
includes the joints, ligaments, muscles, nerves, tendons, and structures that
support limbs, neck and back. It also includes diseases like:
·
Repetitive strain injury (known as RSI)
·
Carpal tunnel syndrome
·
Tendonitis
·
Muscle or tendon strain
The most common cause of injuries is trying to lift
something that is too heavy or using the wrong posture making it difficult to
move safely.
It is not just the weight of the load that can
cause injury. It
is also the size, shape, the way employees have to carry the load, available
grip, where it has to be moved to and how often tasks have to be
completed.
Failing
to follow approved assisting and moving techniques can lead to:
Back
pain and musculoskeletal disorders (MSD)
Assisting
and moving injuries
Discomfort
and twinges of pain
MSD
ULD
LLD
Symptoms
of MSDs may include
·
Tenderness
·
Stiffness
·
Swelling
·
Numbness
·
Tingling and cramp
·
Weakness
·
Aches and pains
You
can do a good job of protecting yourself through:
-Correct moving and handling
practices
-Good overall health habits
-Plenty of rest and recovery
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