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The Cost of Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) – And How to Tackle Them

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are one of the biggest hidden challenges in the workplace today. 1 in 10 employees lives with an MSD, and a staggering 65% of employees report suffering from work-related musculoskeletal issues (1). It’s no surprise then, that MSDs are the 2nd largest cause of sickness absence in the UK (2).

The impact? Pain, discomfort, and typically a 15% drop in productivity—all of which add up to significant costs for both employees and employers.

What Are MSDs, and Why Do They Matter?

MSDs affect muscles, joints, tendons, and nerves. They can develop from repetitive movements, awkward postures, prolonged sitting, heavy lifting, or poorly designed workstations. Common examples include:

  • Lower back pain from long hours at a desk or poor lifting techniques
  • Neck and shoulder tension from screen-based work or static postures
  • Wrist and hand strain from repetitive tasks like typing or manual work

Left unmanaged, these conditions don’t just cause discomfort—they can lead to long-term absence, reduced efficiency, and lower job satisfaction.

 

The Cost to Businesses and Employees

For employees, MSDs can mean chronic pain, difficulty performing daily tasks, and even an impact on mental well-being. For employers, the costs add up quickly:
🔹 Increased absenteeism – MSDs are a leading cause of work-related sickness absence
🔹 Reduced productivity – Pain and discomfort make it harder for employees to work efficiently
🔹 Higher costs – Businesses lose thousands of pounds every year due to lost workdays and reduced output

But here’s the good news—many MSDs are preventable with the right proactive approach.

 

Why Access to Occupational Health (OH) Support is Crucial

Tackling MSDs isn’t just about treating pain when it happens. It’s about prevention, early intervention, and ongoing support to keep employees healthy and businesses running smoothly. A good occupational health strategy can:
✅ Identify risk factors early, reducing the likelihood of serious problems
✅ Provide practical adjustments to create a more comfortable, efficient work environment
✅ Support employees in managing existing conditions so they can stay at work and perform at their best

 

References

  1. Brandwatch, 2022
  2. HSE, 2024

How Linear Health Can Help

At Linear Health, we understand the real impact of workplace MSDs—and more importantly, how to manage them. Our tailored occupational health services include:

🔹 Physiotherapy and rehabilitation – Helping employees recover faster and return to work stronger.
🔹 Workplace assessments – Identifying and addressing ergonomic risks before they become bigger problems.
🔹 Proactive health strategies – Supporting businesses in reducing absence, improving productivity, and keeping their workforce healthy with practical solutions. 

We don’t just focus on getting people back to work—we help them live pain-free, active lives, both inside and outside the workplace.

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Take Action Today

Don’t wait for MSDs to become a bigger issue in your workplace. Investing in employee health now can save your business time, money, and lost productivity in the long run.

Book your free Workplace Health Discovery Call today to find out how Linear Health can support your business and your team. Let’s create a healthier, more productive workplace together.

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