Breaking Down the New HSE Report on Work-Related MSDs With Dr Alistair Bromhead

ASHTEAD, U.K. - Jan. 8, 2019 - PRLog -- With work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) being so widespread and having such a significant impact on individuals, employers and the wider economy, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) commissioned a two-stage research project, revealing the findings in October 2018 via its report, Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders, a tri-sector exploration'.

The report reflected evidence gathered from the construction, healthcare and transport and storage sectors. Dr Alistair Bromhead, founder of Alistair Bromhead Ltd, a UK-wide provider of health and safety training, has been breaking down the report to reveal what he considers the key points of importance for employers on the subjects of manual handling and manual handling training.

"The key findings of the report revealed inconsistencies in the understanding of the term MSDs, with many employers and workers considering them the result of an accident, rather than conditions that developed gradually over time.

"Because MSDs tend to be considered as events that happen and which often need immediate action, the research found that they tended to be addressed in line with pre-existing workplace health and safety policies, meaning that accidents and incidents were more likely to be reported, recorded and focused upon than cases of injuries subject to more gradual onset.

"The report also revealed that many employers and workers felt they had little control over the occurrence of MSDs and that they were an unavoidable result of the role. Corner cutting and failure to use the correct equipment were also found to be common practice, further increasing the risks to workers.

"Employers were found to be more focused on the prevention of injuries leading to MSDs rather than the management of existing health conditions. So for example, there was more emphasis on providing manual handling training and providing lifting and moving aids in order to prevent issues, rather than on the likes of job rotation programmes and fast track healthcare aimed at managing existing MSDs.

"Worryingly," continues Dr Bromhead, "the report showed that whilst lifting or moving equipment was readily available, workers often felt it hindered productivity and prolonged the task.

"Lastly, on the subject of manual handling training, a major finding of the HSE report was that workers found this training to be uninspiring and irrelevant to their actual jobs and duties. There was more sitting down and watching than actually doing, with the content having been seen over and over again. Training rarely reflected the context, environment or equipment that was actually being used by workers in reality."

All of these issues, says Alistair Bromhead, discourage participation, attention, retention and implementation of information. He agrees that there are clearly major issues with manual handling training, and attitudes to it. This is because traditionally, he says, some manual handling training has indeed been uninspiring and irrelevant, lacking participation and practical tasks. "But it really doesn't have to be like this," he says.

Alistair Bromhead Ltd offers manual handling training that focuses on active participation and practical tasks, with involvement from everyone attending keenly encouraged.

"We explain the personal benefits of correct manual handling technique, and the importance of making use of the lifting and moving aids provided. All of our course material is regularly refreshed and based on the latest facts, figures and emerging risks."

Dr Bromhead is often asked to tailor courses and deliver them onsite to make them wholly relevant to the real risks faced by workers. "This approach is extremely successful with excellent candidate understanding and retention, and highly positive feedback from candidates," adds Dr Bromhead.

The company also offers a range of train the trainer courses so that employers can install their own in-house manual handling trainers. Also, in response to the issue raised in the HSE report, their Manual Handling Train the Trainer: City & Guilds Accredited Programme (http://www.abromhead.co.uk/manual-handling-train-the-trainer.asp) prompts trainer candidates when preparing their risk assessments to look just as closely at managing existing MSDs with a view to ensuring they do not worsen over time, as they do at preventing injuries in the first place.

To learn more about the range of UK-wide manual handling courses offered by Alistair Bromhead Ltd and to check availability, call 0800 710 1099 or email info@abromhead.co.uk.