A Musculoskeletal Disorder, also referred to as an MSD, is a term used to describe a range of strain, sprain and overuse issues affecting peoples’ muscles, joints and nerves. Areas particularly at risk include the back, neck, shoulders and upper limbs. Problems can range from a stiffness in the limbs, up to a slipped disc, tenosynovitis, or swelling and tingling in the limbs. In some cases these conditions are brought upon, or exacerbated by work activities.
Why are cleaners at risk?
Cleaning work can be labour intensive and very demanding upon the body. Many of the tasks involved in cleaning feature heavy manual work, using heavy machinery for long periods of time, or repetitive activities such as mopping, sweeping, polishing. Not only is the actual cleaning hard work; in many cases furniture and heavy items need to be moved so that they can be cleaned around. In addition to that, many work places are designed with the workers in mind, but not necessarily those whom have the job of keeping the area clean.
Doesn’t the law protect cleaners?
All employees are protected by the Health and Safety at Work act 1974. This requires employers to ensure the health, safety and welfare of all of their employees and to ensure that those affected by their activities are not exposed to risk. This also applies to self-employed people who could potentially create a risk for others. Risk assessments for the benefit of all employees should not exclude the needs for those who clean up after the others have performed their roles.
Ways of recognising problems
Some indicators of MSD in the workplace include:
- Increased absence, accident and injury reports
- Reports of pain and discomfort from cleaners or their representatives
- Cleaners wearing splints, bandages or back supports
- Low motivation among the cleaning team
- Cleaners adapting their own equipment
Employers are responsible for cleaners just as they are the other members of staff. Their key responsibility is to manage the risk of any employee developing MSD. This involves carrying out a risk assessment to identify where potential issues could arise and acting upon the findings to minimise risks to the workers.
Have you developed MSD from cleaning work?
If you think that you have developed MSD from your employment as a cleaner, and you feel that your employer has not taken the necessary steps to combat your injury, then you should contact one of our solicitors today. They have a great deal of experience in handling this type of case and should swiftly be able to tell you if you are entitled to claim for compensation.