Fight for your health!
Unite launches new campaign targeting Musculoskeletal Disorders
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Unite has launched a new campaign this week highlighting the issues workers face regarding musculoskeletal disorders (MSD), and calling on the Government and employers to play their part in keeping workers safe from the life changing effects that MSD can have.
Unite’s campaign is calling for:
- Mandatory manual handling risk assessments with greater emphasis on hierarchy of controls
- Call for manufactures to design out the need for manual handling
- All materials to be allocated a weight – with the requirement for clear stamping/weight display and centre of gravity marked
- Establish a tripartite forum with HSE involvement
- Benefit system to be reviewed and to ensure all trades and occupations are eligible for support
Unite National Health and Safety AdvisorLuke Collins said, “Musculoskeletal disorders are the second largest cause of ill-health and sickness absence across all sectors.”
“The Unite Musculoskeletal Disorders campaign wants change, and we want members to be part of this change by fighting for their health.”
Employers must play their part. Proper management of the manual handling and ergonomic risk. Cheaper equipment that only satisfies legal requirements is too often selected to save costs. While the employer makes a saving, the employee pays with their health.
The Unite MSD Campaign page is full of useful information and advice to support members, including sections on what musculoskeletal disorders are, a Manual Handling Assessment Chart, a downloadable campaign checklist to see how your workplace measures up and information on what benefits can be claimed.
The page also has a large selection of downloadable posters and resources to help Unite members and reps campaign on the issue in their workplaces.
Unite is supporting people with musculoskeletal disorders. United in fighting MSDs!
By Keith Hatch
