HSE Stats Work-related MSDs Statistics - 2024/25

Work-Related Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in Great Britain

The latest HSE data on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) for 2024 to 2025 shows that these conditions remain one of the most common causes of work-related ill health across Great Britain.

Scale of the Problem

According to the HSE, an estimated 511,000 workers were affected by a work-related musculoskeletal disorder in the past year. This figure includes both long-standing conditions and new cases. Of these, 173,000 were new cases, meaning thousands of workers developed a new MSD directly linked to their work during 2024/25.

Impact on Working Days Lost

The effect on the workforce is substantial. In the last year alone, 7.1 million working days were lost due to work-related MSDs. These absences include time off caused by pain, reduced mobility, medical appointments, and recovery, impacting individual wellbeing as well as overall productivity and workplace continuity.

Long-Term Trends

Before the coronavirus pandemic, rates of work-related musculoskeletal disorders were gradually declining. However, data from the last three years shows rates similar to those recorded in 2018/19, indicating that the previous downward trend has levelled off rather than continued.

A similar pattern is seen in working days lost. While there had been a general reduction before the pandemic, recent figures show a return to pre-COVID levels, rather than further improvement.

Most Commonly Affected Body Areas

The HSE data also highlights which parts of the body are most frequently affected by MSDs. In 2024/25:

• 43% involved the back – around 221,000 workers
• 41% involved the upper limbs or neck – around 211,000 workers
• 15% involved the lower limbs – around 78,000 workers

These figures emphasise the importance of manual handling training, ergonomic assessments, and safe systems of work, particularly in roles involving lifting, repetitive tasks, awkward postures, or sustained physical effort.

Industries at Higher Risk

Certain industries experience higher-than-average rates of work-related MSDs. These include:

• Administration and support services
• Transportation and storage
• Construction

These sectors often involve physical labour, manual handling, repetitive movements, or challenging ergonomic conditions.

Why MSD Prevention Matters

The long-term trend of MSD rates per 100,000 workers shows that, despite fluctuations and disruption during the pandemic years, the steady improvements seen in the past have stalled.

These statistics underline why musculoskeletal health must remain a priority for employers. Investing in risk assessments, staff training, appropriate equipment, and ergonomic improvements helps prevent injuries, reduce sickness absence, and support a healthier, more productive workforce.