Online tool for MSDs

A new downloadable tool to help prevent musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) of the upper limbs has been developed by the HSE and the Health and Safety Laboratory (HSL). The Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) tool can help identify where significant risks lie, suggest where to focus risk reduction measures and help to prioritise improvements.

Jeremy Ferreira, senior ergonomist at HSL said: “Assessing quick repetitive movements of the arms and hands can be more difficult than assessing manual handling operations like heavy lifting. Often actions to reduce MSDs caused by repetitive tasks are incredibly simple, yet are overlooked by employers because the risks are not readily recognised.”

The tool complements existing HSE guidance on upper limbs and is available online at www.hse.gov.uk/msd/uld/art or in hard copy (INDG438).