BJD develops Musculoskeletal Health in the Workplace Project

Musculoskeletal health problems are a leading cause of loss of productivity, absenteeism and early retirement. They are the biggest reason for disabled living allowance in Cornwall and set to pose an increasing burden as working lives become longer.

The BJD ‘Musculoskeletal Health in the Workplace Programme’ (MHWP) recognises a current lack of understanding in some employers about the importance of employee health and wellbeing; which is highly related with the ability to attract and retain employees as well as maintain and improve productivity.

The programme is being developed with a local government employer and two NHS hospital trusts, to maintain musculoskeletal health in the workplace by:

–       encouraging organisations to incorporate musculoskeletal health into their strategic aims and to promote good musculoskeletal health throughout their workforce

–       training line managers to promote musculoskeletal health and manage musculoskeletal problems in the workplace

Core elements of the training programme will include the identification of workplace risk, and conducting musculoskeletal health assessments. It will aim to increase knowledge regarding how employees can care for their own musculoskeletal health, workplace adjustments and the importance of early recognition.

In the future, the project hopes to develop a train the trainer package which will enable the delivery of musculoskeletal training across a range of organisations nationally.