Whilst we often focus on workplace assessments in an office environment, they are also a beneficial tool for those whose workplace is not the traditional office.
A good example of this is the education sector.
The latest stats from the HSE, report an estimated 37,000 work-related cases of musculoskeletal disorders (MSD’s) within the education sector.
This figure is likely to be an underestimate, as studies show many colleagues do not report symptoms to their employers. One European study reported as many as 82% of early years teachers and teaching assistants experienced MSD’s on a weekly basis, however only 8% had reported their symptoms to their employer.
Whilst this figure seems excessive, when you consider how early years teachers work, it is not altogether surprising. As a former early years teacher myself I have first-hand experience of this environment. The furniture in an early years (and primary school) setting is designed, understandably so, with the children in mind. Small chairs, low tables and floor-based activities are the norm, so staff will often be found either on the floor, sat on a very small chair, or bent down at a low desk. Doing this on a daily basis is likely to cause or exacerbate existing musculoskeletal disorders.
As the children grow so does the furniture, so by the time they are at secondary school the likelihood is children are using standard desks and chairs. Whilst this is good news for the teaching staff, there are other barriers they have to contend with. The classroom is their office but for most it lacks any of the ergonomic equipment you would see in an office environment. In today’s classrooms teachers are navigating interactive whiteboards, alongside other IT equipment and paper-based work from students. They spend long periods sat leaning over their desks marking work, and viewing a laptop, sat on a basic chair, with no laptop stand, external input devices, document holder or any ability to work safely from a standing posture.
Another cause of the high rates of MSD’s in the education workforce is likely to be the high volume of manual handling undertaken. Manual handling perhaps seems an unlikely part of the role of an educator and consequently is often over looked, but carrying young children, moving and setting up heavy equipment, carrying large quantities of text books and students work, can all have an impact on the workforce’s health.
Considering the needs of adults in a sector that is set up to provide the very best for children is challenging and considerations need to be made, that would be irrelevant in other industries. The safety of children is of paramount importance so any solutions considered need to be led with this is mind.
The image below shows the holistic view that needs to be taken when thinking about the health and wellbeing of teaching staff and the many different factors that play a part. Many of these factors are relevant regardless of the industry in which you work; for example, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and looking after your mental health. Those of you that are employers have to consider the workplace culture that you create and make sure your leadership teams are approachable and helpful and that policies are in place to help those staff that need it.
Figure 1: Musculoskeletal Health for Teachers and Teaching Assistants wheel (created for EUOSHA Healthy Workplaces: Lighten the Load 2020-2022 campaign) ©Lorna Taylor
There are also some simple steps that can be taken to help the workforce avoid MSD’s:
Risk assessments should be undertaken to identify any practices or activities that could overtime cause health issues for staff.
Manual handling training should be completed by staff, so they are aware of correct manual handling techniques and the negative impacts of incorrect manual handling.
Rota’s may need to be considered so staff are able to support each other. For example, heavy items should not be lifted by an individual but the load shared between two staff members.
An ‘Open Door’ policy should be encouraged, so staff feel safe to report any issues they are experiencing. It is only when employers are made aware of these issues that they can work towards solutions.
The introduction of some simple pieces of equipment to enable a better set up, for example, laptop stands, document holders and trolley bags to transfer equipment.
For staff already known to be suffering from MSD’s more specialist advice and equipment may be required.
If you think we could help you, or your staff please see our website for more details.