Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorder Back Injury
The workplace can be a threat to workers’ well-being and health. As a result, employers face the critical task of creating conditions that limit the potential for undesirable problems and events. To do this, it is necessary to conduct a study of the main threats to staff health and determine which aspects are most important to focus on. Therefore, within the framework of this proposal, occupational diseases such as work-related musculoskeletal disorders and back injury will be investigated. Further, it will discuss the relevance of this topic to employees and provide sources for additional information.
Relevance of the Topic for My Work
The disease investigated in this work is highly relevant to my workplace. The occurrence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, such as back pain, has a negative impact not only on employees’ well-being but also on the organization’s overall productivity (Health and Safety Authority, n.d.-e; Health and Safety Executive, n.d.-a; Spieler, 2023). This is primarily because the employer is losing employees, each of whom is valuable within the activities of a particular department. Thus, managers are faced with the need to provide the necessary assistance to an employee, fulfill the conditions and requirements associated with this situation, and find someone who can replace the individual.
Because I work in a meat factory, cases of work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a relatively common problem in it. This is because the activity involves heavy lifting, which can strain a person’s back. This factor is especially relevant for individuals with insufficient physical fitness, that is, weak backs, limbs, and muscles. On the other hand, the need to stand in one place and perform repetitive movements for long periods is also a negative factor.
Aspects to Focus On
First, focus on measures to reduce workplace back injuries. Research shows that in 2022/23, about 561,000 individuals in America sustained non-fatal injury in the workplace (Health and Safety Executive, n.d.-b). First, it is important to conduct a workplace risk assessment (Health and Safety Authority, n.d.-a; International Labor Organization, 2020), which entails introducing safeguards to assess the degree of threat to workers (International Labor Organization, 2022). This approach will provide a better understanding of the strategies that should reduce staff’s risk of musculoskeletal disorders.
Involving employee training is critical. This aspect entails providing information on how to ensure personal and other workers’ safety in the workplace (Health and Safety Executive, n.d.-d). This requires the development of specialized programs based on safety principles. In addition, employees should have a clear understanding of the requirements and labor standards for this topic (International Labor Organization, n.d.). This will ensure greater awareness and increased security for individuals.
Relevance to the Employer
The information provided may be of relevance to an employer in my sector. This aspect is based on the fact that a meat factory is a rather unsafe place for individuals. Therefore, ensuring workers’ health and well-being is critical for employers (Health and Safety Authority, n.d.-e).
This is because the effectiveness and productivity of the organization’s work depend directly on these indicators, which, in turn, affect profits and competitiveness. In addition, the employer’s relevance is that they are required to follow occupational safety and health regulations (Health and Safety Authority, n.d.-c). In the absence of these practices and their adherence, they may face many legislative and judicial issues.
Sources of Information
A useful source of information is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) website. Of particular value is a specialized section that describes the safety measures required in business (Health and Safety Executive, n.d.-c). In addition, a source such as the Reporting of Injuries, Diseases and Dangerous Occurrences Regulations has benefits for employers and managers. It provides information on what is included in the reporting process, who should be involved, and how to properly prepare safety reports for the company (Health and Safety Executive, n.d.-d). It is worth noting that it can also be found on the HSE website.
There are additional sources that can be useful to employers. “Extending social security to workers in the informal economy” provides an opportunity to identify ways to support workers who have been exposed to illness or injury (International Labor Organization, 2021). The Health and Safety Authority (n.d.-b) also provides employers with important information for heads of organizations. It gives a chance to explore ways to help and support employees.
References
Health and Safety Authority. (n.d.-a). Precautions & risk assessment.
Health and Safety Authority. (n.d.-b). New publications and resources.
Health and Safety Authority. (n.d.-c). Occupational health.
Health and Safety Authority. (n.d.-d). Safety and health management system.
Health and Safety Authority. (n.d.-e). Muscoskeletal disorders (MSD).
Health and Safety Executive. (n.d.-a). Managing risks and risk assessment at work.
Health and Safety Executive. (n.d.-b). Health and safety statistics.
Health and Safety Executive. (n.d.-c). Health and safety basics for your business.
Health and Safety Executive. (n.d.-d). RIDDOR – Reporting of injuries, diseases and dangerous occurrences regulations 2013.
Health and Safety Executive. (n.d.-e). RIDDOR – Provide information, training and supervision.
International Labour Organization. (2020). Improved Workers wellbeing in the Ethiopian garment industry.
International Labour Organization. (2021). Extending social security to workers in the informal economy: Lessons from international experience.
International Labour Organization. (2022). Assessment to inform a capacity building programme on working conditions.
International Labour Organization. (n.d.). Labour standards.
Spieler, E. A. (2023). Occupational safety and health, frontline workers, and the COVID-19 Pandemic in the U.S. International Labour Organization.
