Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) account for 41% of all work-related illnesses in the UK, with the main causes being manual handling and repetitive strain from tasks like keyboard work. MSDs, which include back pain and joint injuries, affect over a million workers annually. While training and information can raise awareness, minimizing risk through strategies like considering the task, individual, load, and environment (TILE) when manual handling, as well as using proper lifting techniques, will better decrease workplace injuries.

1. Manual Handling Training
UK Workplace Facts

2. The Facts (HSE Statistics 2011/12)
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD's) cases account for 41% of all work related
illness (439,000 MSD cases of 1,073,000)
• Industries with the highest rates are courier activities, agricultural and
specialised construction activities.
• Building trades & skilled agricultural trades had higher rates of MSDs
compared to average across all occupations.
• Main activity causing MSD’s was manual handling or tiring positions and
keyboard work.

3. The facts cont’d
• Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSD's) are the most common injury in the
workplace at over a million a year.
• MSD’s include, Low back pain, Joint injuries and repetitive strain injuries.
• Poor lifting and manual handling at work are the main causes of injury.
• We aim to raise awareness of the risks and helps assist you on how to avoid
injury.

4. Raising awareness with TILE
Task – think how often, how much
twisting is involved or how much
bending is needed?
Individual capabilities need you to
think of the individual, male or
female, old or young, experienced
or inexperienced?
Load - how heavy is it? Can you
gain a good grip? Is it Bulky or
heavier at any particular end?
Environment – Is it hot, cold, on an
uneven floor, windy, or involving
stairs?

5. Manual Handling Training Advice
• The provision of information and training will not ensure the safety of staff.
• Minimising the risk through the use of strategies such as TILE will help
decrease incidents in the workplace if used correctly.
• Training aides such as http://risk-assessment-products.co.uk/manual-
handling-essentials-dvd/ provide trainers with supporting footage related to:
• The anatomy of the back
• Making an assessment
• Lifting techniques
• And confidence with assessments