WORK-RELATED ILLNESS - MUSCULOSKELETAL

Musculoskeletal disorders (or “MSDs”) are illnesses affecting the body’s joints, ligaments, tendons, nerves and muscles.

Whilst not all MSDs are work-related, many are (either from the way in which work tasks are carried out or from the workplace itself) and the body areas most commonly affected by work related musculoskeletal disorders are the neck, shoulders, wrists and lower back.

MSDs are the most common work related illnesses in the UK. A recent study by the Health and Safety Executive revealed that:-

  • more than 500,000 UK workers consider that they have a musculoskeletal injury caused (or made worse) by work
  • musculoskeletal injuries are responsible for nearly 30% of the working days lost to sickness each year

Common MSDs include back problems, wrist and finger problems, neck stiffness and vibration syndrome.

The general provisions about all work-related illnesses apply to workers who have MSDs. Workers have both general and statutory duties owed to them by their employer (including duties relating to the provision of a suitable work station and seat; duties surrounding how long a computer or other device should be used for without the employee having a break; duties relating to manual handling of heavy or awkward loads; and duties relating to the provision of a safe system of work) and, if there is a breach of those duties which results in a worker developing a musculoskeletal disorder, that worker may be entitled to compensation from the employer.

If you’re unsure whether you may have a valid compensation claim for a musculoskeletal disorder, call us now on 08448 700 800 to discuss how we can help or simply fill in the CALL ME box and we’ll ring you. Alternatively, you can start your claim immediately by answering a few simple questions on the CLAIM NOW page and we’ll do the rest.

Remember – If you suffer from a work-related musculoskeletal problem in Scotland, your compensation claim is best dealt with by Scottish specialists and you won’t pay a penny for our help, whatever happens.