Types and Causes of Work-induced Musculoskeletal Disorders Reported

18 Ms See Jinli Jean asked the Minister for Manpower (a) in the past five years, how many work-induced musculoskeletal disorders are reported; (b) what types of musculoskeletal disorders are reported by (i) doctors (ii) employers and (iii) workers respectively; (c) what interventions will the Ministry implement to protect (i) senior workers, (ii) persons with disabilities and (iii) workers who use the computer for prolonged hours, from work-induced musculoskeletal disorders; (d) whether the Ministry has recourse for an employer's lack of prevention measures made available to such groups; and (e) if so, what are they.

Dr Tan See Leng: From 2020 to first-half (1H) of 2024, an average of 338 work-related musculoskeletal disorders were reported per year. The breakdown is shown in Table 1 below.

The majority, 91%, of such reported disorders were back injuries, with the rest affecting the upper limb. Most disorders arose from acute conditions, such as back injuries, which employers are required to report. A small number were due to prolonged ergonomic aches and inflammation, which are typically diagnosed and reported by medical practitioners.

There are many factors that can cause work-related musculoskeletal disorders. Employees can protect themselves by practising ergonomic behaviours, such as maintaining proper work postures and applying correct lifting techniques. Employers should support by mitigating risk factors in their work processes, such as providing mechanical lifting aids, anti-fatigue mats and refresher training on lifting techniques.

The Government supports employers to introduce good ergonomic practices based on their workplace risks and the workers' health needs.

First, we have issued workplace safety guidelines and codes of practice on improving ergonomics in the workplace, which apply to different groups of workers, including seniors and persons with disability.

Second, as part of the Total Workplace Safety and Health programme, employers can sign up for free ergonomics-related training for their employees to better understand and prevent work-related musculoskeletal disorders at the workplace.

Third, the Ministry of Manpower encourages employers to adopt technologies to monitor and reduce workers' exposure to such risks, by publicising these solutions on its website and engaging companies for technology trials. These solutions include digital devices that alert workers when they adopt unsafe postures and exoskeleton suits or vests to provide support and improve the posture of workers carrying heavy loads. Eligible companies can apply for grants, such as the National Trades Union Congress' Company Training Committee Grant, to adopt these solutions for a healthier workplace.