Musculoskeletal health in the workplace

Discover practical strategies to prevent workplace musculoskeletal injuries, support employee wellbeing and boost productivity.

In this section:

In Wales, poor musculoskeletal health is a significant workplace concern, with key causes including:

MSK ill health costs the NHS in Wales almost £430 million per year.

Incorrect workstation setups, prolonged sitting and repetitive tasks leading to strain and injury.

Manual handling

Lifting, carrying, or moving heavy loads without proper technique or support.

Repetitive movements

Tasks requiring continuous motions causing strain injuries.

This includes tasks such as typing or assembly line work.

Prolonged standing or sitting

Jobs requiring long periods of standing (such as retail or healthcare) or sitting (such as office jobs) can lead to joint and muscle issues.

High workloads and stress

Increased pressure can contribute to muscle tension and exacerbate existing MSK conditions.

Ageing workforce

Older workers may be more prone to MSK conditions.

Physically demanding tasks can make these conditions worse.

Page last reviewed: 14th March 2025