RR1200: Evidence on the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on work-related musculoskeletal disorders: evidence summary to 29 April 2021
Scientific evidence about COVID-19 was vital to inform decision making by HSE, across Government, and other professionals involved in the national response to the pandemic. This report summarises published scientific evidence about the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WRMSDs). The researchers considered three groups of workers: key workers including in healthcare, construction, education, transport, and public services; workers who changed to homeworking; and furloughed workers. Ten scientific studies and ten other publications available before 29 April 2021 were considered to be from authoritative sources.
Based on this research, for WRMSDs there was consistent evidence for increases in psychosocial risk factors for key workers and those homeworking, and limited evidence for increases in physical risk factors. For furloughed workers, there was limited evidence for increases in psychosocial risk factors, and for physical risk factors potential that there may be increased risk of WRMSDs on return to their normal work due to ‘physical deconditioning’ from a lack of activity during furlough. There was minimal evidence that WRMSD symptoms increased among key workers and those homeworking, and no literature was found on symptoms in furloughed workers.
These findings reinforce existing information in HSE’s guidance about homeworking. The national and global scientific evidence continued to develop after this review was completed.
This report and the work it describes were funded by the Health and Safety Executive. Its contents, including any opinions and/or conclusions expressed, are those of the authors alone and do not necessarily reflect HSE policy.
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