Musculoskeletal disorders in retail

Aim

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are problems affecting the muscles, tendons and ligaments, nerves or other soft tissues and joints. Whilst MSDs can happen inside or outside the work environment they are often made worse by work activities. Our aim is to raise awareness of MSDs, to encourage reasonably practicable control measures and take enforcement action as appropriate.

Justification

22% of major injuries in the retail sector are due to handling, lifting or carrying. Last year handling, lifting or carrying resulted in 779 major injuries.

Audience/Industry

MSDs, including upper limb disorders, are ubiquitous in nature, occurring across all sectors of retail. Focus on checkouts, shelf stacking, stocktaking and delivery work. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other jobs that carry a risk of Musculoskeletal Disorders.

Messages

MSDs, can be very debilitating for those who suffer them. However, tackling them is often straightforward and can bring huge benefits for those affected. You cannot prevent all MSDs so early reporting of symptoms, proper treatment and suitable rehabilitation is essential.

Activities required

• Raise awareness of the risks, and appropriate control measures.
• Use Manual Handling Assessment Charts (MAC) or Upper Limb Disorder (ULD) checklists where appropriate to determine level of risk.
• For checkout work which involves repetitive tasks, ensure that they are designed to reduce risks.
• For shelf stacking and stocktaking, ensure that items are arranged according to size and weight to allow easy reaching and sensible postures. Also encourage the use of adjustable height handling aids.
• For delivery work - ensure suitable equipment is used eg tail hoists, ramps, trolleys, etc. and ensure the use of lifting aids where necessary eg moving white goods.
• Take enforcement action where appropriate (see topic inspection pack for guidance on enforcement and enforcement notice templates).

Timing

MSDs throughout 2008/09 as part of normal inspection regime.

Contact

msdpp@hse.gsi.gov.uk

For information

Detailed guidance on inspections:

• MSD topic inspection pack [510KB]

Further information can be found on the HSE website:

• www.hse.gov.uk/msd