Occupational health data provide grim reading

Millions of UK workers suffer from musculoskeletal disorders like back pain and mental ill health such as stress, according to new figures from the Health and Safety Executive.

For the first time, the figures identify the contributing factors recorded by specialist doctors for these disorders. The main causes of musculoskeletal disorders were guiding or holding tools, heavy lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling and keyboard work. Typists, metal plate workers, shipwrights and riveters and road construction workers were at the greatest risk.

For work-related mental ill health, the most common factor was work pressure; interpersonal difficulties, traumatic events and bullying or sexual harassment also featured. Teachers, nurses and other public sector workers had the highest rates of stress.

Occupational Health Statistics Bulletin 2004/05 is available at www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/overall/ohsb0405.htm