Work-related musculoskeletal disorders

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the most common causes of severe long-term pain and physical disability and are considered one of the biggest health problems facing workers today - and that includes CSP members.

More than two-thirds of physiotherapists and physiotherapy associates have suffered a MSD sometime during their career - and yet only 16% notified their line manager and only 10% of our members completed a workplace accident form, CSP research shows.

Since our MSD report was published in 2005, a range of factors have contributed to this perennial problem including the introduction of electronic patient records and increasing numbers of bariatric patients.

2010 MSD Campaign - Taking action through Body Mapping

The CSP is running a national "body-mapping" campaign in 2010 as part of its efforts to tackle the problem of work-related MSDs for CSP members. This involves training for safety reps in preparation for a body-mapping exercise in June-July. The participation of safety reps, stewards and members are crucial for its success.

CSP members: look out for further announcements and publicity in the post, in your email inboxes and on your workplace notice boards
Safety reps:
1. please attend your regional training day and learn more about what you can do to support your members: contact your senior negotiating officer or regional safety rep for more information.
2. download a new resource pack that includes information on the possible causes of MSDs and a section on new graduates, who are particularly vulnerable
Your feedback on the usefulness of the resource is welcome - contact your regional safety rep or send an email to Donna Payne: payned@csp.org.uk.