Development of risk filter and risk assessment worksheets for HSE guidance: 'Upper Limb Disorders in the Workplace', 2002

Upper limb disorders (ULDs) in the workplace represent a significant cause of ill health in Great Britain. As part of the Health and Safety Commission’s strategy for the prevention of musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), the well known guidance document on ULDs—‘‘Work-related Upper Limb Disorders: a Guide to Prevention’’ (HSG60), (HMSO, London.), has been extensively revised. This revision (Upper limb disorders in the workplace. HSG60 (rev), HSE Books, Sudbury.) includes the development of new risk assessment tools that can be used by employers to identify ULD risk factors in work activities and more importantly to take action to reduce or eliminate ULD risks. The risk assessment tools form part of a seven stage management approach that underpins the newguidance. This paper outlines the development of the risk assessment tools contained in the revised guidance.