Partner Article

10,000 steps in the right direction

Kathryn Gough, Chartered Physiotherapist and business development manager at Connect tells Bdaily why more needs to be done to tackle musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace.

It’s a condition often associated with the construction industry, however MSDs aren’t always the result of lifting heavy weights. Research shows around 1.1 million people across a range of sectors suffer from problems with their muscles, joints or tendons - caused or made worse by their work.

According to the Constructing Better Health scheme, the national industry scheme for workplace health management, the most common areas of the body affected are the back, knees, neck and shoulders.

What might start as a daily niggle, can quickly spiral into a real pain that affects us day in, day out. MSDs are often ignored as we push ourselves beyond our natural limits, resulting in wear and tear to the joints, limbs and back.

From check-out operators to construction work, doctors, dentists, nurses, even our footballing heroes are susceptible to musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. In fact, any worker who has to lift, kneel, reach overhead, or work in awkward positions is at risk of developing problems. It even affects those who sit at a desk, glued to the computer all day without moving. The risks increase when a worker is cold as the body becomes less flexible, meaning it takes more energy to carry out a task.

Here at Connect, we are spearheading a campaign to raise awareness of the issues ofthe condition through my work as a physiotherapy specialist.

The Keep Moving Challenge is in response to a study by the Chartered Society of Physiotherapy which shows MSDs are costing UK businesses £7.4bn a year through absenteeism. As part of the challenge, Connect have sent a number of businesses across the UK pedometers to encourage staff to stay fit by walking 10,000 steps a day to improve their health and wellbeing.

After 25 years in business, Connect has a range of experts to help reduce sickness absence, improve employees’ performance, health and wellbeing at work. Our campaign is crucial in the fight back against workplace MSDs which could ultimately affect business performance so it’s in everyone’s interest for staff to stay healthy and productive.

Looking after your workforce can save money too though reduced working days lost and improved productivity, so it’s important that employers recognise these benefits.

Employers should understand the importance of job design and the role this can play in managing and preventing MSDs. Connect have developed specialist risk assessment and manual handling training programmes for both managers employees to help them identify, understand and ultimately avoid trigger factors within the work environment.

It is vital employers use mechanical handling techniques if at all possible, such as forklifts, pallet trucks. Staff should try and warm up before starting to lift or handle materials, loads shouldn’t be lifted in cramped or dimly-lit areas, while safety gear should always be worn.

Actively managing the MSDs through specialist occupational physiotherapy and embracing the ‘keep moving’ mindset can have a hugely positive effect on both employers and employees. Carrying out health checks are important in detecting early signs of damage. For MSDs, staff could be given a questionnaire to fill in on issues such as how their back feels when they get up in the morning, or if they take regular breaks throughout the day to stretch.

There are many benefits that regular physical activity can have. It not only corrects posture, lowers stress and makes us feel happier, but also reduces the chance of us developing health conditions in later life. Just 30 minutes of brisk exercise a day can help improve someone’s lifestyle. After-work activities such as yoga and Pilates can strengthen core abdominal muscles and aid relaxation, as well as improve posture.

Any worker who experiences regular pain, discomfort, numbness or swelling in their back or other joints and muscles may need to change the way they work.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Connect Physical Health .