Efforts to Tackle Work-related Musculoskeletal Disorders

Mr Melvin Yong Yik Chye asked the Minister for Manpower what are the Ministry's plans to expand surveillance and preventive efforts to address work-related musculoskeletal disorders, in view that they are the second highest type of occupational disease cases reported in each year from 2022 to 2024.

To improve detection and strengthen prevention of occupational diseases, such as work-related musculoskeletal disorders, we will further raise awareness of occupational diseases among employers, employees, the medical community, and trade associations and chambers. For example, we are collaborating with the Ministry of Health to raise the medical community's awareness to detect and report occupational diseases.

However, it is challenging to identify the origin of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, as the disorders develop over time and employers may attribute them to non-work-related sources. This notwithstanding, we will continue to track the development of work-related musculoskeletal disorder cases at workplaces and tailor our interventions for higher-risk sectors.

We will also provide resources and guidelines to support employers and workers in adopting good ergonomic practices and technology solutions to mitigate work-related musculoskeletal disorder risks. This includes the Approved Codes of Practice for Manual Handling, Office Ergonomics and the Workplace Safety and Health (WSH) Guidelines on Improving Ergonomics in the Workplace. The Total WSH Programme for companies also provides free ergonomics-related training to help workers better understand and prevent these disorders.

Preventing work-related musculoskeletal disorders requires collective ownership by employers and workers. Employers need to design proper work processes and provide mechanical aids and equipment; while workers need to exercise ownership in practising good ergonomics, such as adopting proper posture and correct lifting techniques. We look forward to working closely with the National Trades Union Congress and industry partners via the Tripartite Committee on Workplace Health, to explore more ways to raise awareness, prevent occupational health hazards and track post-diagnosis management and prevention.