What is this document?
INDG171 is the HSE's brief guide to managing upper limb disorders in the workplace. Upper limb disorders (ULDs) affect the shoulders, arms, wrists, hands, fingers, and neck. These conditions often develop from repetitive movements, awkward postures, or forceful exertions at work.
The guide provides a practical framework for identifying ULD risks and putting sensible controls in place. It includes a simple filter to help you identify low-risk tasks that do not need further assessment, saving time on straightforward situations.
Who needs to read this?
- Employers with workers performing repetitive or physically demanding tasks
- Small business owners in manufacturing, assembly, or packing operations
- Office managers responsible for employees using computers or keyboards
- Health and safety representatives assessing manual work activities
- Line managers supervising workers who may be at risk of ULDs
Key points covered
The guide explains the essentials of ULD management:
- What ULDs are and how they develop in workplace settings
- Recognising symptoms early before conditions become serious
- Understanding causes including repetition, force, awkward postures, and lack of rest breaks
- Risk assessment approaches with a filter for identifying low-risk tasks
- Control measures to reduce or eliminate ULD risks
- Your legal duties as an employer to protect workers
How this applies to you
Start by looking at the tasks your workers perform regularly. Consider whether they involve repetitive movements, sustained awkward postures, or significant force. Use the simple filter in the guide to identify which tasks need detailed assessment.
For higher-risk tasks, you may need to use the HSE's Assessment of Repetitive Tasks (ART) tool for a more thorough evaluation. Focus on practical controls such as job rotation, workstation adjustments, or changes to equipment.
Encourage workers to report symptoms early. Early intervention often prevents minor discomfort from developing into serious long-term conditions.
For guidance on manual handling risks more broadly, see our manual handling topic guide. The MAC tool guidance can help assess lifting and carrying tasks, while INDG175 covers vibration-related conditions that may contribute to upper limb problems.