United Kingdom: The ‘Helping Great Britain work well’ strategy and tackling MSDs

There are indications of a gradual reduction in the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) in the United Kingdom over a period of more than 15 years. The UK legislative framework addressing MSDs has been in place for nearly 40 years, and the policy approach is to inform and enable employers, encouraging them to address risks. The strategy under discussion is the latest in a series of initiatives stretching back 20 years.

MSDs are addressed under this strategy through a health priority plan and embedded in sector-specific plans and other activities avoiding in this way compartmentalisation.