Most Common MSK Issues in the Workplace

by Spectrum Health

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are the number 1 most commonly reported cause of work-related ill health in Ireland, costing businesses and the State around €750 million per year (Arthritis Ireland). Many people are resigned to accepting their MSDs and may attribute them to ageing, wear and tear or just as a normal part of life. This is a little defeatist and potentially dangerous as any pain and discomfort felt by the body is its unique way of telling you that something may be wrong and needs addressing.

Work-related MSDs are a cause of concern not only because of the health effects on individual workers, but also because of the economic impact on an organisation and the social consequences. Everyone is looking for a solution but whether you are an individual or an organisation, knowing how to start is the first step.

What are the most common MSK Issues?

MSDs are a diverse group of conditions but are linked both anatomically and through their association with pain and reduced physical function. They can be present in the tendons, muscles, joints, blood vessels and/or nerves of the limbs and back.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain Discomfort
• Numbness Tingling
• Burning Stinging

Have you ever experienced anything like this? It is amazing how much you need your back, your shoulder and all the other parts to function during your normal day, and often it isn’t until they break down that you truly appreciate the considerable impact it can have on both your job and your day-to-day life.

The effects of incapacity and pain from MSDs can impact on several aspects of an individual’s performance at work not confined to just physical, including:

• Stamina
• Cognitive Capacity or Concentration
• Rationality/Mood
• Mobility
• Agility

MSD sufferers are also more likely to be affected by depression or anxiety and other related conditions. These added effects can alter the severity of the condition, the ability of the individual to remain in work, the length of time they spend away from work and the ease with which they can be rehabilitated.

The Biopsychosocial Model of Health emphasises the interplay between the Biological (eg. disease, strain, joint damage), the Psychological (eg. disposition, anxiety) and the Social (eg. work demands, family support) and represents a helpful way of assessing the causes of some MSDs. Many people find it difficult to look beyond the immediate physical symptoms, but the overall effects must not be underestimated.

So if you think that your sore back only affects your back, this most likely is not the case. People often begin by ceasing activities they can no longer perform at their previous levels due to an ongoing issue. One of the most common is driving for long distances becomes very difficult, or tying shoelaces.

Then you no longer want to perform certain activities and may avoid them due to the expectation of pain and discomfort. What if the issue is work related? If sitting is unavoidable but it is causing you a problem then this needs immediate attention. If your issue gets to the point where it affects all aspects of your life, steps should have been taken long before to help with the issue.

So how Prevalent are MSDs?

Unfortunately, the vast majority of us will experience a MSD at some stage in our working lives. Living as well as working with this problem is difficult and the longer it continues, the greater the impact. The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work compiled a report on work related issues, they found the following issues as the most common:

• 24.7% Backache
• 22.8% Muscular Pains (shoulders, neck and/or upper/lower limbs)
• 45.5% Report working in painful or tiring positions
  (OSHA Europe 2010)

Other research has shown that in cases where Pain is present, the most commonly affected areas at the desk are as follows:

• 63% Low Back
• 53% Neck
• 38% Shoulder
• 33% Wrist
  (Pain & Productivity in Today’s Workplace Survey (2013))

In terms of industry type, the following industries are most at risk (not in any order):

• Agriculture Forestry and Fisheries
• Manufacturing and mining Loaders and unloaders
• Machine operators Craft workers
• Tailors Construction
• Desk bound workers

It’s apparent just how diverse these areas are along with the various job roles that each industry demands. This really highlights how MSDs and associated issues are not exclusive to any one work type, job role or work intensity.  Many different areas of the body have the potential to be affected by MSDs in all industries along with the precluding issues that can lead to their onset.

The many costs of MSDs

The impact of MSDs is far greater than just the individual’s pain and discomfort (Fit for Work). MSDs are a massive drain on the resources of an employer, including costs such as sick pay, lost productivity, retraining, legal and injury benefit, not to mention lower productivity levels. MSDs have a huge impact on work-related absence and a high proportion of days lost, with an estimated Seven million working days lost to MSDs in Ireland annually (Arthritis Ireland).

Employer body Ibec estimates that absenteeism costs Irish businesses as much as €1.5 billion a year, the equivalent to €818 for each employee. What’s more, a recent study found that ‘presenteeism’ – the act of attending work while experiencing an ongoing issue – cuts productivity by as much as a third, making it a serious challenge for management. MSDs significantly contribute to the imbalance between hours paid and hours actually worked resulting in a significant decrease in workforce productivity.

However, the plus side is that this also represents a significant opportunity for cost reduction, as MSDs, despite being highly prevalent, they are also very manageable and above all are preventable. This makes a good business case for an organisation to proactively address MSDs in their workplace.

So what can you do? 

MSDs and illnesses decrease workforce health status and account for more healthcare spending than any other single health condition. It is a problem that needs swift and appropriate intervention. Encouragingly, a growing number of employers are investing in wellness programs to improve the health status of their workforce, however this is often reactive to issues in the workplace rather than proactively targeting issues with a view to combating potential future occurrences.

Knowing where to start and how to be effective is the key to success. In light of the eye opening data which paints a clear picture of MSK issues faced in the workplace, it’s evident that a proactive approach is needed, pinpointing weaker areas before they actually break down. If an organisation can screen employees appropriately, they can help employees help themselves and catch potential injuries before they occur. This is a more efficient use of time and investment which translates as a decrease in sick rate, increased stamina & concentration and promotes overall long term productivity and health in the workforce which is a win-win for both the individual employee and the organisation as a whole.