Haulage and logistics campaign to prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders

New Year inspection programme launched to prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders in haulage and logistics sector.

The Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI) is urging employers in the haulage and logistics sector to make a New Year resolution to help prevent Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD) within their workforce.

MSD is the collective term given to any injury, ache or damage of the joints or tissues in the upper or lower limbs or back. Workers engaged in manual handling and activities that involve the moving of items either by lifting, lowering, pushing, pulling or carrying can be at particular risk.

The call comes at the launch of an HSENI proactive, on-site inspection programme which begins in January 2023.

Until the end of March, HSENI inspectors will specifically look at the controls that employers have in place to manage risks associated with moving and handling. Inspectors will also provide information and advice to employers on the risk of MSD associated with manual handling

MSD is often developed over months or years. The term covers conditions with specific medical diagnoses, such as tendinitis, carpal tunnel syndrome, epicondylitis (also known as tennis elbow), and non-specific syndromes, such as repetitive strain injury.

Employers have a legal duty to assess and then eliminate or reduce the risk of employees suffering MSDs that are caused or aggravated by their work to as low a level as is reasonably practicable.

Where significant risks are found HSENI Inspectors may take enforcement action to achieve compliance with health and safety legislation.

Find out more about the campaign and get access to related guidance on preventing work-related MSD.

First published 10 January 2023