The Hidden Cost of Musculoskeletal Disorders in the Workplace

Prolonged sitting or standing in the workplace has become a hotly debated issue. Without regular posture changes, both habits can lead to serious health concerns—most notably, musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). In this #StandUpForHealth excerpt, we explore the scale of the MSD problem, common symptoms, causes, and how to prevent these work-related injuries.

What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)?

MSDs refer to injuries or conditions that affect the movement of the human body. These include issues involving muscles, tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, nerves, soft tissues, bones, and joints.

MSDs can develop gradually over time due to repetitive strain, poor posture, or static positions such as prolonged standing or sitting. A wide range of body parts can be affected, including the back, shoulders, wrists, knees, and neck.

Read more about a survey we’ve done on 1000 non-office workers that provide shocking insights of the standing fatigue at work.

Common Symptoms of Work-Related MSDs

MSDs often start subtly but can become debilitating if left unaddressed. Typical symptoms include:

These symptoms can significantly restrict an employee’s ability to perform their job and lead to long-term health issues.

The Workplace Impact of MSDs

The scale of the problem is significant:

• 176,000+ new work-related MSD cases were reported in 2015/16 alone.
• MSDs made up 41% of all work-related illness and 34% of all lost working days in Great Britain that year.
• An estimated 8.8 million working days were lost to MSDs—an average of 16 days per case.

Breakdown by body area:

• Back disorders: 39% of lost days
• Upper limb disorders: 36%
• Lower limb disorders: 26%

Who Is Most at Risk?

MSDs can affect anyone, but the risk increases with age and job type:

• Highest prevalence is seen in the 45–54 and 55+ age groups.
• Both men and women are affected almost equally.
• Jobs requiring physical activity and repetitive motions (e.g. skilled trades, machine operatives, construction, healthcare, agriculture) report the highest rates.
• The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy estimates over 200 types of MSDs, affecting 1 in 4 adults.

Can MSDs Be Prevented or Treated?

Yes. Most musculoskeletal disorders are preventable with the right approach:

• Encourage frequent movement and postural change.
• Conduct ergonomic assessments of workstations.
• Introduce anti-fatigue matting to support those who stand for long periods.
• Provide early intervention and access to physiotherapy or occupational health services.

Early treatment is essential. The sooner symptoms are addressed, the better the outcome for the individual and the business.

Support Your Team: Make One Small Change with a Big Impact

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• Fatigue Lock – Modular support in demanding environments
• COBAelite® Diamond – Premium resilience and comfort
• Deckplate – Durable relief for industrial settings
• Orthomat® Premium – Trusted fatigue-fighting mat

Learn More About Standing Health Risks

Download our free eBook for a complete overview of MSD types, causes, and strategies for healthier workplaces.
Infographic – The Hidden Dangers of Sitting Too Much
Watch our video on how anti-fatigue mats work.

Explore #StandUpForHealth campaign content, including:

• The Science of Standing
• The Problem with Sitting

Busting Common Myths About Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)

1. “Only Older Workers Get MSDs.”

Myth: MSDs only affect aging or long-term employees.
Reality: MSDs can affect anyone, regardless of age — particularly those in physically demanding jobs involving prolonged standing, awkward postures, or repetitive tasks.

Evidence: According to the UK’s Health and Safety Executive (HSE), MSDs affect workers across all age groups. Age may increase susceptibility, but the root causes are task-related, not age-dependent.
Source: HSE – Work-related MSDs

A study published in the International Journal of Occupational Safety and Ergonomics also found younger workers developing MSD symptoms when exposed to poor workstation design or static load for long periods.
Reference: IJOSHE, 2015, Vol. 21, Issue 3

2. “If It’s Not Painful Now, It’s Not a Problem.”

Myth: Pain is the only indicator of risk.
Reality: Many MSDs begin without noticeable pain. Early signs like muscle fatigue, joint stiffness, or tingling can occur silently, gradually leading to chronic conditions.

Evidence: The CDC’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) notes that early-stage MSDs often present as discomfort, not pain, which leads to underreporting and lack of early intervention.
Source: NIOSH Ergonomics and MSDs

3. “Good Shoes Are Enough.”

Myth: Supportive footwear alone prevents MSDs.
Reality: Even with ergonomic shoes, standing for hours on hard surfaces compresses joints, restricts blood flow, and contributes to lower-limb disorders.

Evidence: A study in Applied Ergonomics found that anti-fatigue mats significantly reduce discomfort and fatigue in the lower back and legs, more than footwear alone.
Reference: King, P.M., “A comparison of the effects of floor mats and shoe in-soles on standing fatigue.” Applied Ergonomics, 2002.
DOI: 10.1016/S0003-6870(01)00074-5

4. “Breaks Solve Everything.”

Myth: Taking breaks prevents MSDs caused by prolonged standing.
Reality: Breaks help, but are not sufficient to undo the cumulative impact of static standing, especially in fast-paced or shift-based environments.

Evidence: The Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS) stresses that anti-fatigue matting continuously reduces musculoskeletal strain, unlike breaks that are often irregular or too short.
Source: CCOHS – Working in a Standing Position

5. “Ergonomic Risks Are Just About Lifting.”

Myth: Most MSDs result from improper lifting techniques.
Reality: Lifting is one cause — but prolonged standing on hard floors, particularly in jobs involving little movement, is an equal or greater risk.

Evidence: According to HSE, lower-limb and back disorders are commonly caused by static posture and insufficient support, not just lifting or carrying.
Source: HSE – Causes of MSDs

The European Agency for Safety and Health at Work also highlights standing workstations as high-risk zones for ergonomic stress.
Reference: EU-OSHA – Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders: Prevention Report, 2020

Final Thought

Reducing work-related MSDs is not only about compliance—it’s about caring for your team. With education, ergonomic tools, and practical solutions like anti fatigue mats, you can create a safer, healthier, and more productive workplace.