The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has published new statistics on work-related ill health in Great Britain. For the first time these identify the contributing factors recorded by specialist doctors involved in cases of musculoskeletal disorders and mental ill health.
Occupational health data published
In 2004 specialist doctors in the Health and Occupation Reporting (THOR) network saw an estimated 23,000 new cases. As in previous years, the most common types of work-related illness were: Musculoskeletal disorders, affecting mainly the back and upper limbs and mental ill health, which consisted mostly of stress, depression and anxiety.
The jobs carrying the highest risks of musculoskeletal disorders, according to reports from rheumatologists in 2002-04, were: typists; metal plate workers; shipwrights and riveters; and road construction operatives, all with annual average incidence rates around 15 times the average for all occupations.
In cases of work related mental ill health reported to THOR in 2002-2004 the most commonly reported factor was simple work pressure, which was mentioned in one quarter of cases. Interpersonal difficulties were a factor in 22% of cases, with traumatic events a factor in 10% and bullying or sexual harassment in 8% of cases.
