The HSE has issued guidance on musculoskeletal disorders, specifically in the catering and hospitality industries.

Back pain and other aches arising from manual handling injuries are the most common type of occupational ill health in the UK. In kitchens many tasks, without proper controls, can cause back pain or upper limb injuries that can affect hands, wrists, shoulders and the neck.

Lifting and carrying heavy items or pushing and pulling can be a major source of back pain, while forceful or repetitive activities and poor posture can be linked to upper limb injuries.

Catering Information Sheet 24: Preventing manual handling injuries to catering staff provides information on significant risk areas to look for and offers practical examples of solutions that you can apply in your workplace. It lists other HSE guidance available on manual handling and preventing back pain. It is aimed mainly at employers although it will also be useful to employees and safety representatives.

The key messages are:

• You can easily take action to prevent or minimise this type of injury;
• The preventive measures are cost effective;
• Involving staff is key to success;
• Training staff in proper lifting techniques, use of handling aids and raising awareness of the risks will reduce the likelihood of injuries in the future; and
• Early detection and reporting of aches and pains is crucial.

Find out more here.