New Centre to tackle musculoskeletal problems in the workplace

Lancaster University is a major partner in a new £1.4m national Centre to reduce the impact of musculoskeletal disorders on employment. According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS) almost 31 million days of work were lost last year due to back, neck and muscle problems, and they accounted for more prolonged absences than any other ailment. Musculoskeletal disorders have been the primary cause of absenteeism for the past five years, with the UK having one of the highest rates in Europe. Researchers at the Centre for Musculoskeletal Health and Work aim to find cost-effective ways of reducing the impact of conditions that affect the muscles, joints and bones on people's employment and productivity, with benefits for patients, employers and society as a whole. The centre, funded by Arthritis Research UK and the Medical Research Council, will focus its research on the three main musculoskeletal causes of work disability - back, neck and arm pain, osteoarthritis and inflammatory arthritis. A special theme will be the impact of these conditions on older people who are approaching normal retirement age. Lancaster University is a major partner in the new Centre, which will bring together the Lancaster Health Hub, The Work Foundation and colleagues in all faculties of the University.