Addressing the Key Issues - Musuloskeletal

Approximately 30% of food and drink industry injuries reported to HSE are manual handling injuries. This represents about 3,000 acute injuries per year caused by handling and lifting; 60% of the injuries involve lifting heavy objects.

Those workers carrying out lighter repetitive tasks, such as on production line are at risk of suffering chronic (persistent) injuries, such as work-related upper limb disorders (WRULDs). Cases of occupational ill health assessed for sickness benefit by the Department of Social Security indicate that 45% relate to WRULD suffered by employees.

Manual handling and work related upper limb disorder problem cost companies significant amounts of money in sickness absence, high staff turnover, retraining, loss of production etc. In addition litigation is often pursued which may significantly affect future insurance premiums.

To check how you are managing manual handling and musculoskeletal hazards go to: Level 3 self assessment.

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