Work caused musculoskeletal problems say 3/4 of bus drivers

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Three-quarters (78%) of bus drivers say their job has caused musculoskeletal (MSK) problems, according to a union survey.

Almost a quarter (23%) of the 400 bus drivers polled by the National Union of Rail, Maritime and Transport Workers (RMT) said they had taken time off in the previous year due to back, neck or shoulder pain.

Work caused musculoskeletal problems

Ninety-four per cent said their working conditions could be improved by the introduction of adjustable seating, steering columns and driver dashboards. At the same time, a similar proportion felt the driver’s cabin could be designed more ergonomically.

Ninety-four per cent also felt they were not given equal treatment to office workers when it came to asking for workplace adjustments. It is a legal requirement for employers to make reasonable adjustments to ensure staff with disabilities or physical or mental health conditions are not disadvantaged when doing their jobs.

RMT general secretary Mick Lynch said the results of the survey were deeply concerning:
“It is unacceptable that bus workers are having to take time off for injuries sustained at work when there is technology available that can easily assist them ergonomically,” he said.

MSK conditions are among the most common causes of sickness absence in the UK. According to the HSE, musculoskeletal disorders represented 27% of the new and long-standing cases of work-related ill health reported in 2022-23, and transport operatives were in the occupational groups with higher than average rates of work-related MSK conditions.

Last year research by the charity Versus Arthritis found that one in 10 employees has an MSK condition, of which one in three have kept it hidden from their employer.

What is musculoskeletal pain?

Musculoskeletal (MSK) can affect your joints, bones, muscles and sometimes associated tissues and develop as a result of injury or disease.

Commonly, at work, they can be caused by repetitive movements or by not having the correct physical support, such as ergonomic chairs in place.

Musculoskeletal injuries

Musculoskeletal injuries can range from minor to long-term conditions. Some common MSK conditions include the following:

Tendinitis
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Osteoarthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)
Fibromyalgia
Bone fractures
Repetitive Strain Injury

What are the symptoms of musculoskeletal injury?

Symptoms of Musculoskeletal Injuries can include:

Recurrent pain
Stiff joints
Swelling
Dull aches

They can affect any major area of your musculoskeletal system, including the following:

Neck
Shoulders
Wrists
Back
Hips
Legs
Knees
Feet

Musculoskeletal Injuries at work

Employers have a duty of care to their employees under the Health and Safety at Work Act (1974); they are required to provide “safe systems of work” to prevent work-related RSI.

More recent legislation requires employers to ensure that working environments are comfortable and appropriately adjusted by carrying out risk assessments.

Risk assessments cover topics such as; The Manual Handling Operations Regulations 1992; The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005; and The Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1998.

Injury at work claims

If you have suffered a Musculoskeletal injury caused by your work, you may be entitled to make an industrial disease claim.

How much compensation for injury at work?

The value of your claim depends on many factors including the severity of your symptoms. It’s not uncommon for claims to be worth more than £10,000.00.

Why use Oakwood Solicitors Ltd?

Oakwood Solicitors Ltd agrees to work on your Industrial Disease claim on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not be expected to pay us a penny.

If you are successful in your claim, we take a percentage of the compensation meaning that the only time we will receive money is if we have brought your claim to a fruitful conclusion.

You will have a dedicated advisor who will see your claim through from start to finish, assisting you in the event of any queries or issues you may have. If it is preferable to you, we can assign a female advisor to carry out your claim.

Your case handler will also continue to provide regular updates until the conclusion of your claim, ensuring the process is as stress-free and effortless as possible.

Three-quarters of bus drivers say work caused musculoskeletal problems