The latest HSE figures for 2024 to 2025 clearly show that Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work remain one of the most common causes of work-related ill health across Great Britain. From the very start, this data highlights how frequently these injuries affect workers and why employers must continue to prioritise prevention. Although some progress has been made in the past, the most recent figures suggest that improvement has slowed rather than continued.
The Scale of the Problem
According to the HSE, an estimated 511,000 workers experienced a work-related musculoskeletal disorder during the past year. Importantly, this figure includes both long-standing conditions and new cases. Of these, 173,000 were new, which means thousands of people developed a fresh injury or condition directly linked to their job during 2024/25.
As a result, these figures show that musculoskeletal injuries continue to affect a significant proportion of the workforce. Moreover, they reinforce the need for early intervention and effective risk management.
Impact on Productivity and Absence
In addition to affecting individual health, Musculoskeletal Disorders at Work place a substantial burden on organisations. The HSE estimates that 7.1 million working days were lost last year due to these conditions. These absences include time off for pain, reduced mobility, medical appointments, and recovery.
Consequently, employers face disrupted operations, reduced productivity, and increased pressure on colleagues. Over time, this also affects morale and workforce stability.
Long-Term Trends and Recent Changes
When we examine longer-term trends, an important pattern emerges. Before the coronavirus pandemic, rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were gradually declining. However, the most recent three years of data now show rates similar to those recorded in 2018/19. Therefore, rather than continuing to fall, the earlier downward trend has levelled off.
The same pattern appears in the number of working days lost. Prior to COVID-19, days lost due to MSDs were decreasing. In contrast, recent figures have returned to pre-pandemic levels instead of improving further.
Parts of the Body Most Affected
The HSE also provides a detailed breakdown of which areas of the body are most commonly affected:
- Back injuries – 43% of cases, affecting around 221,000 workers
- Upper limbs or neck – 41% of cases, around 211,000 workers
- Lower limbs – 15% of cases, approximately 78,000 workers
These figures clearly highlight the ongoing importance of manual handling training, ergonomic assessments, and safe systems of work.
Industries at Higher Risk
Certain sectors continue to experience higher-than-average rates of musculoskeletal disorders. These include administration and support services, transportation and storage, and construction. In these industries, workers often face repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, awkward postures, or prolonged physical effort.
Why Prevention Still Matters
Finally, long-term data shows that although rates have fluctuated over the last two decades, the steady improvement seen in earlier years has slowed. Therefore, employers must remain proactive.
By investing in risk assessments, training, suitable equipment, and ergonomic improvements, organisations can reduce injuries, limit sickness absence, and support a healthier, more productive workforce.
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