Fit for the future

AGEING POPULATIONS have resulted in an extended working life expectancy, as evidenced by the UK retirement age being set to increase to 67 in the coming years. With people now expected to work for longer into their lives, healthy working life expectancy (HWLE) must be considered. This is the average number of years expected to be spent healthy (no limiting long-standing illness) and in paid work (employment or self-employment) from age 50 years. 

Not only does HWLE play an important role from an employee wellbeing perspective, but it is also more critical when we consider future labour demand. At present, the UK is suffering from a labour and skills shortage that may have severe negative impacts on the UK economy. Consequently, key industries, such as construction, require current workers to be as healthy as possible for as long as possible. This requirement places even further importance on ensuring extended HWLE in order to futureproof the UK workforce.

A major issue affecting HWLE is musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs). Musculoskeletal disorders are among the most common work-related, long-term injuries and conditions, primarily affecting the back, joints, and limbs¹. The prevalence of MSDs within the UK workforce is prominent, with nearly half a million workers suffering from a work-related MSD in 2022/23². Work-related MSDs led to 6.6 million working days being lost during that period, demonstrating the serious repercussions of MSDs on the workforce when not effectively treated or, better yet, prevented.

As key contributors to disability and pain³, research from the scientific journal Nature, highlights how MSDs hinder working ability, increase disability pension claims, and the permanent injuries can lead to unemployment while ending workers’ careers⁴. The severe impacts of MSDs to worker wellbeing include:

Disability – Neglecting injuries through slips, trips, and falls without adequate medical attention and rest can result in the development of musculoskeletal disorders. These conditions are a primary cause of disability globally, with lower back pain alone being the leading contributor to disability in 160 countries⁵.

Declining working life expectancy – While on the job with musculoskeletal conditions, the constant severe pain limits mobility and reduces job performance, often leading workers to consider early retirement⁶. These conditions can also handicap an individual’s ability for continuing their daily lives within society.

Financial losses – Severe injuries and MSDs can result in significant financial losses, including, compensation claims, costs associated with absenteeism, and in some instances early pension claims. Financial resources earmarked for improving workplace conditions, procuring compliant PPE, and acquiring high-quality equipment, may instead be redirected towards assisting the injured and addressing labour gaps through rehiring. 

The impact of non-inclusive PPE on HWLE

The impact of MSDs on HWLE also affects men and women differently, primarily caused by a lack of inclusive PPE. Taking construction for example, 60% of employers do not provide female-specific PPE and over 40% of employees believes that ill-fitting PPE has negatively impacted their career⁷. This issue extends to footwear. Despite PPE footwear the most common PPE item worn by women (71%)⁸, female workers commonly face challenges in being provided correct and well-fitting PPE footwear that is designed to include the differentiating factors between men and women’s fit PPE footwear.

While ill-fitting PPE can cause immediate issues like discomfort and restricted mobility, potentially increasing the risk of workplace accidents such as slips, trips, and falls, it is the long-term use of poorly fitting PPE that can lead to developing MSDs. As a result, women can be more exposed to spending many years working with MSDs and consequently have a poorer HWLE than men, despite having a longer life expectancy on average⁹. In order to help reverse this trend, we must examine the potential impact of proper fitting PPE has by mitigating the development of MSDs from the outset.

The Role of PPE Footwear in Reducing Risk of MSDs

For employees who spend a significant amount of their working day on their feet, wellbeing starts from the ground up. As mentioned, high quality, well-fitting protective footwear play a major role in mitigating injuries that can develop into MSDs. HAIX, a specialist manufacturer of functional safety footwear, invests in safety-compliant, well designed, and properly fitting protective footwear to combat the threat of musculoskeletal disorders and help extend Healthy Working Life Expectancy.

While it is highly recommended to select footwear that complies with the latest safety standards such as EN ISO 20345:2022 and EN ISO 20347:2012, it is vitally important for employees and procurement teams to understand that this is the minimum requirement for safety at work. With the vast number of footwear options available on the market, it is unfortunately possible to purchase cheaper, ill-fitting boots that, despite meeting these standards, do not guarantee the required protection or support for long-term foot health. As a result, investing in premium, high-quality footwear will benefit employees in the long run as not only in terms of safety by helping reduce potential risks of accidents through slips, trips, and falls, but also the long-term foot health and worker performance.

When choosing the correct footwear, it must address specific elements in the design and construction of the product that contribute to protecting long term health, better efficiency at work, and, most importantly, the prevention of MSDs. Safety footwear should support the foot, ankle and lower limbs with superior cushioning technology made with smarter materials. As such, manufacturers like HAIX prioritise developing well-fitting footwear with arch support, good heel fit, high levels of slip resistance, and uses high-quality materials such as a breathable Gore-Tex membranes. Within the context of MSDs, carefully thought-out designs that consider the job role and different applications of the boot play a crucial role in helping to mitigate the risk of developing MSDs. HWLE is further improved as it provides a better, more comfortable experience for the worker as they carry out their work.

Improving awareness and knowledge of the issue will also contribute to improved outcomes in mitigating the development of MSDs and overall HWLE. In addition to knowledge around the characteristics and the construction of high-quality PPE footwear, employees need to have a better understanding of how that translates into proactive actions they can take during their purchasing journey. For example, employees should endeavour to properly test PPE footwear before purchasing. When testing the product, workers should emulate typical work-based movements such as sitting, bending, standing or crouching to ensure the boots are comfortable when carrying out multiple activities. Additionally, to get a more accurate size, boots should be tried on in the afternoon so as to take into account how feet fluctuate in size throughout the day. By making an informed choice when purchasing PPE footwear, workers not only protect their long-term health but also boost workplace efficiency, ultimately extending their HWLE.

Conclusion

As the age-old adage goes, ‘prevention is better than cure’. Investing in high-quality, properly fitting PPE, particularly footwear, is essential for preventing MSDs and ensuring long-term health. As the workforce ages, the need for comprehensive education on the impact of MSDs becomes increasingly important. Empowering workers with knowledge enables them to make informed decisions regarding their PPE. Employers must prioritise the selection of appropriate footwear, recognising that the well-being of their employees is directly linked to the overall health and productivity of their business. By doing so, they can foster a safer, healthier, and more efficient work environment for all.

Simon Ash is UK sales manager at HAIX. For more information, visit www.haix.co.uk

References
1  Health and Safety Executive - MSDs: Health monitoring and support for workers
2  Health and Safety Executive – Health and safety at work
3  American College of Rheumatology - Prevalence, deaths, and disability-adjusted life years due to musculoskeletal disorders for 195 Countries and Territories 1990–2017
4  Scientific Reports - The development of working life expectancy without musculoskeletal diseases against the backdrop of extended working lives
5  World Health Organization - Musculoskeletal health
6  Scientific Reports - The development of working life expectancy without musculoskeletal diseases against the backdrop of extended working lives
7  https://www.nawicyorkshire.co.uk/campaigns/womens-ppe 
8  https://www.wes.org.uk/PPE/ 
9  https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-024-58650-2#Sec17