Proactively addressing musculoskeletal disorder (MSD) risks is key to fostering safer workplaces. Larger organisations often succeed in driving prevention through dedicated safety managers, and small-to-medium enterprises can also implement effective strategies by leveraging tailored resources and building expertise in proactive safety management.
The challenges workplaces face in MSD prevention
Employers often find it challenging to prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the workplace, as it can be difficult to implement proactive, tailored and integrated prevention strategies.
Key challenges include:
- Updating and implementing a holistic approach based on best-practice
- Engaging employees and leaders in safety initiatives to foster an adaptable safety culture
- Embedding prevention into everyday practices
- Sourcing and providing adequate manual handling training
- Implementing effective workstation design
- Achieving consistent compliance in injury prevention programs
A fragmented approach can leave critical risks unaddressed, for instance, training alone cannot succeed if job tasks are not ergonomically designed or are misaligned with employees' physical capabilities.
Prioritising a holistic, proactive, tailored and integrated prevention strategy is vital to reducing injuries, boosting productivity, improving workplace culture, and lowering workers’ compensation claims.
How to develop a holistic interactive solution
A proactive integrated approach tackles manual handling risks by analysing tasks, aligning roles with employees' capabilities, delivering targeted training, and building resilience through tailored exercises. By embedding layered, complementary prevention measures that seamlessly work together, organisations can elevate safety initiatives, drive sustainable outcomes, and create a safer, healthier workplace for all.
To identify high-risk roles and activities, organisations can:
- Conduct job task analyses to assess physical demands and risks.
- Combine findings with data to pinpoint injury-prone areas.
- Perform regular manual handling assessments for high-demand roles.
- Use employee feedback to uncover risks and daily challenges.
- Apply industry benchmarks and expert advice to prioritise mitigation strategies.
For Work, Health & Safety (WHS) professionals, key to effective injury prevention is prioritising hazard elimination, such as removing high-risk tasks or substituting safer alternatives. This includes:
- Redesigning workstations, automating tasks, using aids and applying ergonomic adjustments to minimise manual handling risks.
- Investing in training and resources, conduct assessments, and offer tailored ergonomic education.
- Implementing early intervention, like encouraging stretching and movement breaks, to prevent serious injuries.
Together, high-level controls, proactive education, and early intervention form a comprehensive framework for safer workplaces and reduced injury risks.
Article source: Australian Institute of Health & Safety
How can we support you
From prevention to recovery, the Mutual Benefits Program provides complimentary support to all EML Group customers with a range of products, tools and services to compliment your workplace safety needs.
Employer Training Program: We offer customers an extensive program of up to 90 free training events each year, designed to support the professional development and education needs within your organisation. Topics include our safety series: safety management, hazard identification as well as risk assessment and controls.
EMlearning: Our online training platform, EMlearning, provides exclusive access to 40 interactive and engaging workplace risk courses at no additional cost to our customers. Stay compliant with industry regulations (such as the international standard for managing safety in the workplace (ISO 45001) and facilitating safe and sustainable return to work plans under the Workplace Injury Rehabilitation and Compensation Act 2013).
Management Tools and Resources: We offer a range of free tools and resources to help you identify opportunity areas and implement your WHS strategy. From research articles and risk assessment tools, to video case studies, our resource library and online tools support key risk and safety initiatives across a range of areas including manual handling. Learn more on our WHS Online Health Check that can help you to understand your business’ maturity towards managing WHS risks.
Exclusive Offers: Through the Mutual Benefits Program we’ve negotiated exceptional deals with industry leaders in training, technology and consulting services. As a customer of the EML Group your safety program can be enhanced through discounted partnerships with providers such as HSE Global, Staunch Technology and Longitude6.
By integrating these initiatives, resources, and tools into your workplace you can empower your employees to work more safely and effectively. At the EML Group, we’re here to support your journey toward a safer, healthier workplace.
Contact us mutualbenefits@eml.com.au or visit www.eml.com.au/mutualbenefits