IOSH
Preventing musculoskeletal disorders
Practical information for supporting worker health
This resource explains how work activities strain the body, what increases musculoskeletal risk and practical steps organisations can take to prevent injuries and support long-term wellbeing.
What are musculoskeletal disorders?
Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are injuries and conditions that affect the muscles, joints, tendons, ligaments, nerves and bones.
They can develop suddenly – such as back strain from lifting – or gradually over time, such as repetitive strain injuries from typing.
MSDs range from minor aches that resolve quickly to serious, long-term conditions that affect your ability to work and your overall quality of life.
Common MSDs include:
- back and neck pain – the most common workplace MSDs
- shoulder problems – often from repetitive overhead work
- repetitive strain injuries – affecting wrists, arms and hands
- knee and leg problems – from prolonged standing or kneeling
- osteoarthritis – gradual wear and tear of joints.
What makes this serious
MSDs are not just uncomfortable. They can result in time off work, reduced earnings, difficulty performing daily activities and increased stress or mental health challenges. Long-term MSDs can significantly reduce quality of life.
What causes musculoskeletal disorders at work?
Workplace MSDs typically result from physical and organisational factors. Understanding these causes helps prevent them.
Physical factors
Physical factors include:
- heavy or awkward lifting – lifting loads that are too heavy or bulky, or lifting repeatedly, especially when bending or twisting
- forcing and gripping – tasks requiring strong pushing, pulling or gripping
- awkward body positions – bending, overhead reaching or twisting the back or neck
- repetitive movements – performing the same action repeatedly without breaks
- vibration – using tools or machinery that cause hand–arm or whole-body vibration
- poor work setups – cramped, poorly designed or uneven work areas that force awkward postures.
Hidden risk factors
Some risks are less obvious and relate to how work is organised or managed. These include:
- rushing or working under pressure – increasing the chance of poor technique
- lack of training – leading to unsafe habits or risk-taking
- insufficient recovery time – missed breaks or inadequate rest
- poor equipment design – tools, furniture or equipment that don’t fit the user or task.
How to assess risks: the TILE approach
Use the task, individual, load and environment (TILE) framework to assess manual handling risks in a structured way.
Other factors to include in a risk assessment may involve team lifting, mechanical aids, time pressures and personal protective equipment (PPE) requirements.
How to prevent musculoskeletal disorders
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Eliminate hazards where possible
Examples include:
- automate repetitive tasks
- redesign work to reduce heavy or awkward lifting
- move work to better positions, such as placing items at waist height.
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Reduce risks through design
Workplace design can feature:
- the use of lighter materials – smaller bags or containers
- better tools – ergonomic handles, powered equipment or assistive devices
- adjustable workstations – make desks or benches height-adjustable
- the use of mechanical aids – trolleys, hoists or conveyor belts.
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Organise work smarter
This can include:
- rotating jobs to use different muscle groups
- taking planned breaks to recover
- lifting as a team when needed
- working at a steady, safe pace.
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Train and inform employees
Focus on:
- safe lifting techniques – bend knees, keep loads close
- correct use if equipment, including hoists and trolleys
- hazard awareness and how to avoid them
- reporting issues early – don’t wait for pain to worsen.
Addressing risks: catching problems early
Responding early to signs of MSDs reduces the likelihood of long-term injury.
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Spot the warning signs
Signs may include:
- aches, stiffness or pain
- slowing work pace
- leaning or shifting posture
- repeated requests for adjustments or breaks.
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Encourage reporting
A positive reporting culture ensures workers feel comfortable raising concerns.
Clear reporting processes and timely action help prevent injuries.
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Seek professional support
Professional advice is useful when several workers have similar symptoms, injuries occur despite existing controls or major workplace changes are planned.
Useful professionals include:
- occupational safety and health professionals
- occupational health advisers
- ergonomists
- physiotherapists with workplace expertise.
Summary
Preventing MSDs required a proactive approach that combines good workplace design, effective training and a strong culture of safety.
- MSDs can develop suddenly or gradually and affect muscles, joints, tendons and bones.
- Workplace risk factors include heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, poor posture, vibration and inadequate breaks.
- Prevention includes eliminating hazards, applying ergonomic design, rotating tasks and providing proper training.
- Early reporting and a supportive culture are essential to reducing long-term injuries.
- Employers and employees both play a role in maintaining a healthy work environment.
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Checklist
Use this quick checklist to make sure you are being thorough and up to date.
- Ensure workstations are ergonomically designed and adjustable
- Use mechanical aids for heavy lifting and encourage team handling
- Provide training on safe lifting techniques and equipment use
- Schedule regular breaks and rotate tasks
- Encourage early reporting of discomfort and respond promptly
- Monitor workloads to avoid rushing and fatigue
- Carry out regular risk assessments and update controls
Every workplace is different
This guide provides general principles for preventing MSDs. Always consider specific workplace factors and current regulations when implementing changes. Encourage workers to seek medical advice for persistent pain or discomfort.
