Occupational Health Service promoting musculoskeletal awareness throughout July

The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy reports that one third of workers experience musculoskeletal pain at work at least once a week.

Musculoskeletal discomfort can be caused by numerous non-medical factors including the normal degenerative changes associated with age, poor general fitness and sedentary lifestyle. People who are physically active not only experience better physical and mental health but are also less likely to have poor musculoskeletal health. Remember the best postural position is the next one - so keep moving!

At work

• Adjust your chair and workstation to ensure a suitable posture for the task 
• Avoid prolonged static postures through regular task changes
• Use safe manual handling techniques

If you do have problems, the Occupational Health Service provides short-term physiotherapy for work relevant musculoskeletal problems.

To arrange an assessment, contact ohsadmin@ucl.ac.uk for a referral form.

We also have a number of helpful booklets and exercise guides. Drop in and visit us  to see our display or email ohsadmin@ucl.ac.uk to have the booklets sent to your work address.

Keep Active by:

• Walking - take a hike at lunchtime; there are lots of interesting places to walk around the campus; or enter your postcode into the Walking for Health website for local walks

• Cycling - with Transport for London providing cycles for hire in London, you can go that bit further on your lunchtime explorations; or visit National Cycle Network to access over 25,000 miles of walking and cycling network across the UK, anytime anywhere

• Find a sport that's right for you - if you enjoy something, you are more likely to do it regularly

Angela Graneek, Head of Occupational Health Services, Human Resources