SafeWork NSW's Webinar on Managing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MDS) Featuring Glascott Landscape and Civil

At Glascott Landscape and Civil, workplace safety is a top priority. That’s why we’re proud to have been featured in SafeWork NSW’s latest online publication, a three-video webinar series focused on managing Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) in the workplace.?

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) - watch the video here and learn about MDS below.

What Are Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs)?

"Over 50% of all serious workplace injuries involve MSDs"

Musculoskeletal Disorders (MSDs) are injuries or disorders affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, and cartilage. These injuries can develop over time from repetitive movements, awkward postures, or continuous strain, making them a significant concern across many industries. Common MSDs include sprains, strains, and conditions like carpal tunnel syndrome, tendinitis, and back pain.

In fact, MSDs are one of the leading causes of lost work time and worker compensation claims globally. According to SafeWork NSW, over 50% of all serious workplace injuries involve MSDs, highlighting the urgent need for proactive prevention and management strategies.

The Impacts of MSDs

"MSDs cost the Australian economy approximately $24 billion annually."

Musculoskeletal Disorders can have both immediate and long-lasting effects, impacting not only the individual worker but also business operations.

Short-Term Impacts of MSDs:

• Pain and Discomfort: Immediate discomfort can impair a worker’s ability to perform tasks efficiently.
• Reduced Productivity: Injured workers often need to slow down or take frequent breaks, which can lead to missed deadlines and reduced overall output.
• Increased Absenteeism: MSDs often result in workers taking short-term leave to recover, disrupting workflow and increasing operational costs.
• Worker Fatigue: Even minor MSDs can cause fatigue, reducing focus and increasing the likelihood of errors or accidents.
• Temporary Work Restrictions: Injured workers may require light duties or restricted tasks, adding strain on the rest of the team.

Long-Term Impacts of MSDs:

• Chronic Pain and Disability: Without proper treatment, minor MSDs can evolve into chronic conditions, affecting long-term employability.
• Permanent Job Restrictions or Loss: Severe cases can lead to permanent work restrictions, job loss, or even early retirement due to disability.
• Increased Healthcare Costs: MSDs can result in long-term medical expenses, including rehabilitation and ongoing treatment.
• Mental Health Impacts: Chronic pain from MSDs can also lead to mental health issues like depression and anxiety.
• Long-Term Absenteeism and Turnover: Extended absences can drive up workforce turnover, increasing recruitment and training costs.
• Reduced Productivity and Competitiveness: Over time, reduced worker capacity can hurt a company’s ability to stay competitive.
• Increased Workers’ Compensation and Legal Costs: Businesses may face rising compensation claims, insurance premiums, or even lawsuits due to workplace injuries.
• Economic Burden: At a broader level, MSDs contribute to the strain on healthcare systems and social welfare programs, as well as lost productivity on a national scale.

How Can MSDs Be Prevented?

Many workplace MSDs can be prevented with simple yet effective changes to how tasks are performed. These include:

• Minimising manual handling by using mechanical aids
• Improving ergonomics in task design to avoid awkward postures
• Reducing repetitive tasks or providing frequent breaks to prevent strain
• Providing proper training so workers can recognise and mitigate risk factors

The goal of SafeWork NSW’s MSD Prevention Plan is to reduce the incidence of workplace MSDs by 2026 through education, regulation, and risk management initiatives.

Glascott’s Contribution to SafeWork NSW’s MSD Prevention Plan?

Earlier this year, SafeWork Inspectors and their film crew spent a day at our Gipps Street Recreational Precinct project, where they shot footage with our site team to demonstrate effective risk management techniques. The video highlights how incorporating simple tools, such as the star-picket remover, can reduce exposure to hazardous manual tasks. These practical measures help cut down on task duration, repetition, and awkward postures—ultimately creating safer work environments for everyone.?

"We are committed to reducing MSD risks and the significant impact on the health and well-being of our team and contractors through education and proactive measures,” Elliott Humphries, HSEQ Manager

The opportunity to feature in this series was made possible by Elliott Humphries, Glascott Landscape and Civil's HSEQ Manager. Elliott is an active member of the WorkSafe NSW Consultative Committee, regularly contributing to discussions on best practices for MSD management, trends analysis, and regulatory policy.

Elliott also played a key role as a panellist during the recent launch of the SafeWork MSD Prevention Plan, discussing challenges, leadership buy-in, and strategies for the future of MSD prevention with moderator Jim Kelly (SafeWork NSW), and co-panellists Veronica Black (NSW Nurses and Midwives Association) and Jasmina Budisa (Specialist Services, SafeWork NSW).?

Recognising Our Team and SafeWork NSW

We extend our gratitude to Elliott for his ongoing work in MSD prevention, and to SafeWork NSW for choosing Glascott to showcase. We’d also like to recognise the efforts of the Gipps Street Recreational Precinct Team for hosting the SafeWork crew on-site, their on-screen speaking roles and background performances to demonstrate hazard identification, and the rest of the team for their support.

Why Work Place Safety Matters

"MSDs are preventable. Simple changes can make a difference."

At Glascott, we’re committed to reducing MSD risks through proactive measures, reinforcing the video’s key message: "MSDs are preventable. Simple changes can make a difference." Addressing MSDs not only protects the health of our workers but also improves productivity, reduces absenteeism, and boosts workplace morale.

By participating in initiatives like SafeWork NSW’s MSD Prevention Plan, Glascott aims to contribute to a safer, healthier industry overall. We look forward to continuing this important conversation and implementing further strategies to enhance workplace safety.

Click here to watch the full video and explore SafeWork NSW’s resource library here.

For more information on Glascott Landscape and Civil and our work in health and safety, contact us.