HSE Health and Work Strategy

Ill health is an ever-growing problem in the workplace, with a range of conditions such as stress and musculoskeletal disorders becoming more common in our everyday society; in 2015/16 alone there were 11.7 million working days lost due to occupational ill health. Overall, there are 1.3 million working people suffering from a work-related illness, with an estimated £14.1 billion lost in 2014/15 alone due to costs of these injuries and ill health. Better understanding and awareness of the damage, costs and preventability of these illnesses is key to improve a person’s health in the workplace and the outcomes of these figures.

Musculoskeletal disorders are the number one cause of occupational health issues in Great Britain, accounting for 41% of all occupational health issues and 34% of all lost working days. In 2015/16 alone there was approximately 539,000 cases, and the total number of working days lost due to musculoskeletal disorders was 8.8 million, at an overall economic cost to Great Britain of over £5 billion.

Musculoskeletal disorders include problems with the back, upper limbs and lower limbs, which can occur through a range of activities such as lifting heavy loads to using display screen equipment and the way you are sitting. Back injuries are most commonly associated with lifting and handling activities, upper limb disorders with repetitive tasks and display screen use, and lower limb disorders with tasks involving prolonged kneeling or standing. The risk of an individual suffering from a musculoskeletal disorder is increased if they are suffering from stress.

Stress is the second most commonly reported cause of occupational ill health in Britain, accounting for 37% of all work-related cases, and 45% of all working days lost. 1.5% of the working population are suffering from work-related stress, depression and anxiety, and it is recognised as a major health issue for employees and employers in all sectors. The total number of working days lost in 2015/16 was 11.7 million, an average of 23.9 days per case.

A greater focus on health issues at work and earlier prevention of these occupational illnesses is extremely cost-effective and is more beneficial for the individual so that they can avoid more serious health issues in the future. At Posture Team our aims are to bring about a reduction in the number of new cases of ill health caused in the workplace and to help those that are already suffering. This is achieved through our range of ergonomic furniture and equipment that is designed to work with your body to help carry out tasks as comfortably and safely as possible.

For more information visit http://www.hse.gov.uk/index.htm