Preventing injuries to muscles, bones and joints
There are a number of things you can do to help prevent injuries to muscles, bones and joints.
Reduce manual force
Reduce the weight of items or the distance they need to be moved to reduce the amount of manual force needed by your employees.
To help with this, you could use:
- lightweight tools
- a team of operators
- levers such as a lift, hoist or forklift truck
Use the right working position
Design tasks and equipment to suit your employees. This involves taking into account differences in:
- size
- build
- health
- strength
- right- or left-handed operations
To help with this, you could:
- avoid the need for awkward postures
- ensure enough space is available to do the job
- design the work to prevent sudden movement of the body
- provide platforms, tools and adjustable chairs
- provide appropriate protective clothing, such as the right sized gloves with adequate grip
Improve the working environment
You can also reduce the risk of injury by improving the working environment.
To help with this, you could:
- make sure the temperature is reasonable
- avoid putting workstations near draughts
- make sure the lighting is right for the job
- provide suitable clothing to keep employees warm in cold workplaces
Monitor and review conditions
Act immediately on any signs and symptoms of ill health or injury, and encourage early reporting.
To help with this, you could:
- provide safe and healthy working conditions that are reviewed and maintained to a good standard
- consider health assessments upon an employee’s conditional offer of a job or as part of a health surveillance program
Provide training
You have a responsibility to make sure your employees know the right techniques to carry out their work and how to use tools and equipment correctly.
Find out more
You can find more information on preventing injuries to muscles, bones and joints in our publication Health Risks at Work.