WorkSafe ACT’s strategy to prevent musculoskeletal disorders
WorkSafe ACT has launched a strategy to prevent musculoskeletal disorders.
Musculoskeletal disorders include a range of inflammatory and degenerative conditions affecting the muscles, tendons, ligaments, joints, peripheral nerves and supporting blood vessels.
According to WorkSafe Act, in the ACT, 57% of all accepted private sector workers’ compensation claims lodged between 2017–2018 and 2020–21 was for musculoskeletal disorders. Over half of workers’ compensation claims for musculoskeletal disorders are from the construction, healthcare and retail industries.
WorkSafe ACT’s strategy aims to reduce the incidence rate of claims for musculoskeletal disorders resulting in 1 or more weeks off work by at least 30%.
The strategy will guide the activities of WorkSafe ACT over the next 2 years to educate, engage and enforce the management of prevention of musculoskeletal disorders.
Work Health and Safety Commissioner Jacqueline Agius said, “Our strategy aims to educate all workers and employers to prevent these painful and serious conditions. Our target is ambitious but achievable. All workplace injuries are avoidable.”
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