• MSK conditions include arthritis, fractures, hip conditions, knee conditions, lower back pain, osteoporosis and spinal conditions.
• MSK conditions are the greatest cause of disability at any age because of the impact they have on physical activities.
• MSK conditions are very common in people with multiple long-term conditions, and those with MSK conditions often have other comorbidities.
• The pain and fatigue caused by arthritis and related MSK conditions result in a substantial reduction in quality of life.
• Pain is a key symptom of many MSK conditions.

MSK conditions are a group of conditions that affect the bones, joints, muscles and spine, and are a common cause of severe long-term pain and physical disability.

WHAT CAN EMPLOYERS DO TO HELP PREVENT MSK CONDITIONS?

• Prevent workplace accidents and injuries through better health and safety procedures and risk management.
• Design offices and work environments with positive infrastructure .
• Encourage staff to increase physical activity through wellbeing programs or funding equipment like bikes.
• Provide healthy food or information about nutrition to help people make better choices.
• Encourage employees and students to stop smoking and reduce alcohol consumption, perhaps with related incentives.
• Ensure employees are consulted on health and wellbeing programmes and, where possible, make them reflect on the feedback garnered.
• Create general awareness about the prevention of MSK conditions and other health problems.
• Support employees to manage their condition in order to reduce the impact.