Study says body mapping can help tackle health problems at work

A Health and Safety Commission-backed study has found that 'body mapping' of workplace health problems is a fast and effective way of identifying problems at work.

Body mapping is where groups of workers map out their aches and pains on a drawing of a body to look for any common problems and to make links with the jobs they do. The study which evaluated the TUC's pilot body mapping training sessions found the use of the technique was 'an overwhelming success'. The sessions covered 215 trade union representatives on 18 TUC health and safety courses.

The TUC is planning to amend its course materials in light of the feedback from participants and reps before body mapping training goes country-wide later this year.

The impact of body mapping on the workplace is being evaluated by following up 10% of the reps from the pilots.