The Non-binding Guide for Employers and Health and Safety Practitioners provides an overview of the issues surrounding the safe use of manufactured nanomaterials (MNMs) at work, sets out the broad outlines for preventive action and provides a practical tool for complying with specific aspects of ensuring worker safety, such as risk assessment and risk management.
This case study is about a female worker in the retail industry who has suffered from chondromalacia — a condition that causes abnormal softening or deterioration of cartilage in joints — for 2 years. Good communication and working relationships have proven to be instrumental in enabling her to continue to work.
This case study presents the successful return to work of a project manager after a year of absence due to piriformis syndrome, which causes pain brought on by prolonged sitting, among other things. Contact and support from her manager and colleagues throughout the worker’s absence made her feel valued, and she made the key decisions about her return-to-work plan.
This case study highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to tackling musculoskeletal disorders in the workplace. Early intervention (despite the lack of a firm diagnosis) based on risk assessment and trialling new equipment has helped to alleviate discomfort and prevent her symptoms from getting worse.
This case study looks at how a successful return-to-work plan was agreed and implemented. Simple measures such as maintaining contact with the worker during her sick leave and enabling her to return gradually made a big difference.
This case study looks at the crucial role that early diagnosis and intervention played in helping her to remain in work.
An ICT worker diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis was able to remain in his job thanks to some straightforward adjustments. Thus, the company he works for had been able to retain an expert worker who is able to train others.
This case study looks at how an experienced police officer suffering from lower back pain and other MSDs has been able to continue to work with the police thanks to a change in role.
A podiatrist in her early 40s has been working with neck problems for 8 years. As a result of the nature of her work, her condition has been exacerbated by adopting awkward postures and manoeuvring patients. This case study highlights the changes that have been and will be made to her main tasks to allow her to work in comfort.