The theme of the European Week for Safety and Health at Work 2007, which will run from 22 - 26 October has been announced. This year's campaign slogan is "Lighten the Load" and is dedicated to musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Back disorders are the most common form of ill-health at work, both in Great Britain and Northern Ireland and throughout Europe. Such problems include joint injuries, repetitive strain injuries, work-related neck and upper limb disorder and lower back pain. Raising awareness, prevention and management are all key factors in reducing MSDs.
Recent evidence has proved that sedentary PC posture causes more back problems than excessive lifting and carrying. Research carried out by the Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) in the UK studied over 1,300 users of display screen equipment (DSE) from a variety of organisations. They found that 73% of all respondents reported one or more musculoskeletal symptoms. Over a period of 12 months, 47% reported neck symptoms while only 12% said they had problems with their elbow and forearm. Symptoms involving the neck, shoulder and back were most frequently reported together and just over half reported symptoms affecting the head and/or eyes.
Employers have a legal obligation to protect their health and safety, and that of their workforce. The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 2000/388, place a requirement on them to assess the general risks to their employees while they are at work. Specific provisions relating to manual handling and DSE are also contained in the Manual Handling Operations Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1992/535 and the Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations (Northern Ireland) SR 1992/513, respectively.
